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Judiciary committee advances bill to broaden religious-liberty protections
Summary
The Judiciary committee advanced Senate Bill 60, which would raise evidentiary standards for government actions that burden religious exercise and waive sovereign immunity, drawing testimony from civil‑rights advocates and religious leaders who warned the measure could undercut local anti‑discrimination laws.
The Judiciary committee reported Senate Bill 60 favorably with the expression of opinion that the same should pass. The bill, presented by Senator Steve Rawlings, would amend KRS 446.35 to require government actions that burden religious exercise to be justified by clear and convincing evidence of a compelling interest, expand available remedies (including costs and attorney’s fees), and waive sovereign immunity so individuals may sue government actors for alleged violations.
Senator Steve Rawlings, sponsor of the bill, said the legislation would “fortify religious liberty across the Commonwealth” by ensuring government actions “do not place undue burdens on individuals’ rights and religious practices.” He told the committee that SB 60 would raise the evidentiary standard and “provide a clear and stronger legal framework to protect religious freedoms from infringement from government actions.”
The measure drew several opponents during the public‑comment…
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