DIGEST
The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part of the
legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute part of the law
or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
HB 953 Original 2022 Regular Session Seabaugh
Abstract: Requires the government to provide protections to places of worship and prohibits the
government from discriminating against places of worship through the requirement of certain
restrictions.
Present law provides that government shall not substantially burden a person's exercise of religion.
Present law provides an exception for when the burden on the exercise of religion is both in
furtherance of a compelling governmental interest and is the least restrictive means of furthering the
compelling governmental interest.
Proposed law provides that the government shall provide protections of the highest order to every
church, synagogue, temple, or other place of worship and shall not discriminate against any church,
synagogue, temple, or other place of worship by requiring restrictions that are greater than the least
severe restrictions that are imposed upon or enforced against any secular business, service, or
assembly.
(Amends R.S. 13:5233)