The bill amends Arkansas law concerning religious nondiscrimination by explicitly prohibiting government discrimination against religious organizations and individuals based on their religious identity, beliefs about marriage, and biological sex. It establishes that individuals and organizations cannot be compelled to engage in conduct that conflicts with their sincerely held beliefs, nor can they be punished for declining to do so. The bill also expands the definition of "discriminatory action" to include withholding state benefits or contracts based on a person's religious beliefs.

Additionally, the bill introduces new provisions that protect individuals seeking licensure or certification from being denied based on their religious beliefs regarding biological sex or marriage. It ensures that public educational institutions cannot require students to provide services that conflict with their religious beliefs unless it is essential to further a compelling governmental interest. The bill also allows state employees with authority over marriage licenses to recuse themselves from performing marriages that conflict with their beliefs without facing discrimination. Overall, the legislation aims to strengthen protections for religious beliefs in various contexts, particularly regarding marriage and gender identity.

Statutes affected:
Old version HB1615 V2 - 3-5-2025 10:31 AM: 16-123-601, 03-05-2025, 16-123-602(1), 16-123-602, 16-123-603
Old version HB1615 V3 - 3-11-2025 10:09 AM: 16-123-601, 03-11-2025, 16-123-602(1), 16-123-602, 16-123-603
Old version HB1615 V4 - 3-12-2025 12:11 PM: 16-123-601, 16-123-602(1), 03-12-2025, 16-123-602
Old version HB1615 V5 - 3-31-2025 11:34 AM: 16-123-601, 16-123-602(1), 03-31-2025, 16-123-602
Old version HB1615 Original - 2-27-2025 01:14 PM: 16-123-601, 16-123-602(1), 16-123-602, 16-123-603
HB 1615: 16-123-601, 16-123-602(1), 16-123-602, 16-123-603
Act 677: 16-123-601, 16-123-602(1), 03-31-2025, 16-123-602