PA
Pennsylvania House Bill HB2023

Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HB2023

Introduced
2/9/24  

Caption

Further providing for definitions and for free exercise of religion protected.

Impact

If approved, HB2023 would reinforce existing state laws regarding religious freedom by amplifying individual protections against governmental actions that could infringe on religious practices. The bill emphasizes the government’s limitations in imposing restrictions on religious expression, which could lead to enhanced protection for individuals and religious organizations. However, it also outlines that certain governmental control measures, particularly those related to health and safety, would not apply as exceptions to these protections.

Summary

House Bill 2023 aims to amend the existing Pennsylvania Religious Freedom Protection Act to further clarify and expand the definitions related to the free exercise of religion. The bill seeks to strengthen the protection for individuals’ rights to freely practice their religion without governmental interference that could be deemed as substantially burdening their beliefs. Specifically, it lays out detailed criteria for what constitutes a significant burden on a person’s religious expression, encompassing actions by the government that may inhibit or restrict religious practices.

Sentiment

General sentiment around HB2023 appears to be supportive among proponents who argue it is essential for safeguarding individual liberties and minimizing governmental overreach into personal beliefs. Advocacy groups and individuals advocating for religious freedom have shown a positive reception to the proposed amendments. Conversely, there is concern from some legislators and civil liberties organizations that the bill may lead to potential misuse, allowing individuals or groups to exploit the protections for discriminatory practices or to refuse compliance with laws that ensure equality and safety.

Contention

The bill's notable points of contention revolve around the balance between protecting religious freedoms and ensuring that such protections do not infringe upon the rights of others. Critics are particularly worried about how the expanded definitions of a 'substantial burden' might open avenues for legal challenges against government actions that aim to protect public health and safety. The debate highlights a central conflict in legislative discussions around the extent of religious liberties in contrast to the enforcement of anti-discrimination laws and public welfare regulations.

Latest PA HB2023 Activity

View All Events: PA 2023-2024 Regular Session HB2023

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA HB54

Further providing for definitions and for free exercise of religion protected.

PA HB1921

Further providing for definitions; and providing for land use regulation limited.

PA HB1175

Further providing for definitions; and providing for land use regulation limited.

PA HB300

Further providing for the title of the act, for findings and declaration of policy, for right to freedom from discrimination in employment, housing and public accommodation, for definitions, for unlawful discriminatory practices and for prohibition of certain real estate practices; providing for protection of religious exercise; and further providing for powers and duties of the commission and for construction and exclusiveness of remedy.

PA HB300

Further providing for the title of the act, for findings and declaration of policy, for right to freedom from discrimination in employment, housing and public accommodation, for definitions, for unlawful discriminatory practices and for prohibition of certain real estate practices; providing for protection of religious exercise; and further providing for powers and duties of commission and for construction and exclusiveness of remedy.

PA HB1019

Human Relations - Protection of the Free Exercise of Religion

PA HB1024

In assault, further providing for ethnic intimidation; in particular rights and immunities, further providing for civil rights violations; and, in employees, further providing for definitions and providing for annual officer training on hate-based intimidation.

PA SB150

Further providing for title of the act, for findings and declaration of policy, for right to freedom from discrimination in employment, housing and public accommodation, for definitions, for unlawful discriminatory practices and for prohibition of certain real estate practices; providing for protection of religious exercise; and further providing for powers and duties of the commission, for educational program and for construction and exclusiveness of remedy.

PA SB150

Further providing for title of the act, for findings and declaration of policy, for right to freedom from discrimination in employment, housing and public accommodation, for definitions, for unlawful discriminatory practices and for prohibition of certain real estate practices; providing for protection of religious exercise; and further providing for powers and duties of the commission, for educational program and for construction and exclusiveness of remedy.

PA SB649

In assault, further providing for ethnic intimidation; in employees, further providing for definitions and providing for police officer training on hate-based intimidation; and making an editorial change.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.