The proposed bill aims to enhance protections for adoption and foster care providers, particularly those with sincerely held religious beliefs, by prohibiting discriminatory actions from governmental entities. It establishes that no governmental entity can discriminate against individuals or organizations involved in adoption or foster care based on their religious beliefs or practices. The bill outlines specific protections, including the right to provide or decline services based on religious convictions, and mandates that governmental entities consider these beliefs when making decisions about custody and placement of children. Additionally, it allows individuals to assert claims against governmental entities for violations of these protections and provides for various remedies, including compensatory damages and attorney fees.

Furthermore, the bill includes definitions for key terms such as "adoption or foster care," "governmental entity," and "religious organization," and emphasizes that the protections afforded by this legislation are supplementary to existing federal and state laws. It also amends existing statutes to clarify the scope of immunity for governmental entities in relation to tort liability and contracts, ensuring that the new provisions are integrated into the legal framework. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 1-39-104