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STATE OF OKLAHOMA
1st Session of the 60th Legislature (2025)
SENATE BILL 499 By: Bergstrom
AS INTRODUCED
An Act relating to the Oklahoma Religious Freedom
Act; amending 51 O.S. 2021, Section 253, as last
amended by Section 113, Chapter 452 , O.S.L. 2024 (51
O.S. Supp. 2024, Section 253), which relates to
government burden on religious freedom; providing
certain closures be deemed substantial burden;
prohibiting certain restriction of access; and
providing an effective date .
BE IT ENACTED BY THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF OKLAHOMA:
SECTION 1. AMENDATORY 51 O.S. 2021, Section 253, as last
amended by Section 113, Chapter 452, O.S.L. 2024 (51 O.S. Supp.
2024, Section 253), is amended to read as follows:
Section 253. A. Except as provided in subsection B of this
section, no governmental entity shall substantially burden a
person’s free exercise of religion even if the burden results from a
rule of general applicability.
B. No governmental entity shall substantia lly burden a person’s
free exercise of religion unless it demonstrates that ap plication of
the burden to the person is:
1. Essential to further a compelling governmental interest; and
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2. The least restrictive means of furthering that compelling
governmental interest.
C. Any order or rule issued by any governmental entity pursuant
to an emergency that requires The closure of any place of worship
entitled to the religious exemption found in Section 501(c)(3) of
Title 26 of the United States Code shall be c onsidered a substantial
burden even if the order or rule is one of general app licability.
D. No governmental entity as defined pursuant to Section 252 of
this title shall declare or deem a religious institution and any
activity directly related to the ins titution’s discharge of its
mission and purpose to be nonessential. No or the designation of a
religious institution shall be subject to a closure or restriction
for the purposes of health or security that is greater than that
imposed upon any private ent ity facing the same or similar health or
security conditions as nonessential by a governmental entity as
defined pursuant to Section 252 of this title shall be deemed a
substantial burden on the free exercise of religion that is not the
least restrictive means of furthering a compelling governmental
interest. A government entity shall not restrict access to a
religious facility or gathering if such facility or gathering is not
engaged in illegal activities .
E. D. It shall be deemed a substantial burden to exclude any
person or entity from participation in or receipt of governmental
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funds, benefits, programs, or exemptions based solely on the
religious character or affiliation of the person or entity.
SECTION 2. This act shall become effect ive November 1, 2025.
60-1-1411 TEK 1/11/2025 11:06:49 AM