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House approves bill to protect churches hosting homeschool co‑ops, moms’ programs and similar activities
Summary
The House on Tuesday passed HB 3 71, clarifying that churches already inspected and licensed for worship may host brief outreach activities — such as homeschool co‑ops, moms’ programs and vacation Bible schools — without a second building‑code regime.
The Louisiana House approved HB 3 71, a measure that clarifies the rights of houses of worship to host outreach activities — including homeschool co‑op classes, moms’ day‑out programs and vacation Bible schools — without being subject to a second set of building code or zoning restrictions.
Representative Amade, sponsor of the measure, said the bill responds to instances where local officials told churches they could meet for worship on traditional days but must undergo additional inspections or permits when they hold outreach programs on other days. "If the building was deemed safe for all of the activities on Sunday, then why is it unsafe on Tuesday afternoon?" Amade asked on the House floor.
Lawmakers adopted a technical amendment set on the floor and a substantive amendment that adds written definitions, including a definition for "home study co‑op" (groups of two or more parents who meet to provide academic instruction and meet no more than 24 hours per week) and language limiting the hours for moms’ day‑out programs so they do not function as full‑time childcare centers.
Supporters said the bill protects longstanding practices — church‑sponsored short‑term programs and limited cooperative classes — and reduces administrative burden where churches already meet occupancy, zoning and safety requirements. Some members asked whether the bill could inadvertently exempt churches running large‑scale schools or childcare centers; sponsors said those facilities remain subject to existing licensing and safety rules.
Representative Moore, speaking in support, urged churches to open their doors for community programs and said the bill would make it easier for congregations to host youth activities, tutoring and other outreach. The House passed HB 3 71 by a vote of 79 yeas and 9 nays.
Next steps: HB 3 71 goes to the Senate; sponsors said they will work with local governments to ensure the statute does not conflict with existing municipal codes.
