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Senate advances substitute religious‑freedom bill after extended debate
Summary
Senate adopted a first substitute to Senate Bill 111 — a state 'mini‑RFRA' raising protections for closely held religious expression — after sponsors said the Attorney General and University of Utah were satisfied; opponents warned the change could broaden legal challenges affecting zoning, schools and other state regulations. Substitute advanced with a 24–2 vote and moved toward third reading.
Senator Dean Butters offered and the Utah Senate adopted a first substitute to Senate Bill 111, a state-level Religious Freedom Restoration Act (a "mini‑RFRA") to protect closely held religious expression under a preponderance‑of‑evidence standard. Sponsor Butters argued the substitute restores space for religious expression in public life and excludes criminal acts from protection. He said the Attorney General’s office and the University of Utah reviewed and were satisfied with the substitute’s language.
The change prompted sustained floor debate. Senator Scott McCoy said he feared the bill is unnecessary and could have sweeping unintended consequences. McCoy warned the new standard would apply across state rules and regulations — to…
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