The "Keep Kids First Act" aims to provide protections against discrimination for adoption and foster care providers who act in accordance with their sincerely held religious beliefs. The bill emphasizes the importance of placing children in safe and loving homes and recognizes the diverse nature of adoption and foster care agencies in Arkansas, including faith-based organizations. It asserts that these organizations have a constitutional right to the free exercise of religion, which includes the freedom to abstain from actions that conflict with their beliefs. The Act is designed to ensure that faith-based providers can continue to serve children in need without facing adverse actions from the state government based on their religious convictions.

The bill introduces a "conscience clause" that prohibits the state from taking discriminatory actions against individuals or agencies based on their religious beliefs, particularly regarding issues of sexual orientation and gender identity. It allows individuals to assert claims against the state if they believe their rights under this section have been violated, providing avenues for recovery such as declaratory and injunctive relief, compensatory damages, and attorney fees. Additionally, the Act clarifies that existing protections for free exercise of religious beliefs remain intact and that the state can still prioritize placements that align with a child's religious background when determining the best interests of the child.