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 ensures 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 and introduces new definitions related to beliefs about biological sex and marriage.

Additionally, the bill establishes that the state government cannot revoke or deny licenses, certifications, or degrees based on a person's religious beliefs unless it is shown that such actions are essential to further a compelling governmental interest and are the least restrictive means of achieving that interest. It also allows state employees with authority over marriage licensing to recuse themselves from performing marriages that conflict with their beliefs without facing discrimination. Overall, the bill aims to strengthen protections for individuals and organizations against government actions that may infringe upon their religious beliefs.

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