This amendment exempts religious organizations and entities from the new requirements in HB 37, but only to the extent that compliance with the new requirements would constitute an unlawful burden on sincerely held religious beliefs or exercises.

Plain English Breakdown

The official source does not specify how the exemption will be enforced or interpreted in practice.

Religious Organizations Exemption Amendment

This amendment allows religious organizations and entities to be exempt from certain parts of HB 37 if following those rules would unfairly limit their religious practices.

What This Bill Does

• Adds an exemption for religious groups in a new law called HB 37.
• The exemption applies only when the requirements in HB 37 would stop religious organizations from practicing their beliefs freely.

Who It Names or Affects

• Religious organizations and entities that might be affected by HB 37

Terms To Know

Sincerely held religious beliefs

Beliefs about religion that a person or group truly believes and considers important.

Limits and Unknowns

• The amendment only applies if the requirements in HB 37 would unfairly limit religious practices.
• It is not clear how this exemption will be enforced or interpreted by courts and government agencies.

Official Summary Text

This amendment exempts religious organizations and entities from the new requirements in HB 37, but only to the extent that compliance with the new requirements would constitute an unlawful burden on sincerely held religious beliefs or exercises.

Current Bill Text

Legislation Document

SPONSOR:

Sen. Richardson

DELAWARE STATE SENATE

153rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SENATE AMENDMENT NO. 1

TO

HOUSE BILL NO. 37

AMEND House Bill No. 37 by inserting the following after line 21 and before line 22 and redesignating accordingly:

"

3. Religious organizations or entities controlled by religious organizations, including faith-based schools, houses of worship, or nonprofit business entities, to the extent that compliance with this chapter would substantially burden a religious organization’s or entity’s sincerely held religious beliefs or religious exercise.

".

SYNOPSIS

This amendment exempts religious organizations and entities from the new requirements in HB 37, but only to the extent that compliance with the new requirements would constitute an unlawful burden on sincerely held religious beliefs or exercises.

Author: Senator Richardson