House Bill No. 953 amends the Preservation of Religious Freedom Act in Louisiana, specifically R.S. 13:5233, to enhance protections for the free exercise of religion. The bill stipulates that the government cannot impose substantial burdens on an individual's religious practices unless it can demonstrate that such burdens serve a compelling governmental interest and are the least restrictive means of achieving that interest. This reinforces the principle that religious exercise should be safeguarded from undue governmental interference.

Additionally, the bill introduces specific protections for places of worship, mandating that the government must provide the highest level of protection to churches, synagogues, temples, and other religious institutions. It prohibits the government from imposing restrictions on these places of worship that are more severe than those applied to secular businesses, services, or assemblies. This aims to ensure that religious institutions are treated equitably and are not subjected to more stringent regulations than their secular counterparts.

Statutes affected:
HB953 Original:
HB953 Engrossed:
HB953 Enrolled: