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SB 1077

SB 1077 - This act creates the Missouri Religious Liberty Act. No public official shall issue an order that has the effect of limiting or prohibiting religious groups, or places of worship, from holding religious services or meetings. This act shall not apply to religious groups using places of worship to knowingly commit or plan to commit act of violence or harm. This act is substantially similar to HCS/HB 75 (2025) and SB 739 (2025). KATIE O'BRIEN

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Adam Schnelting

Missouri bill elevates legal protections for religious organizations and worship places by restricting government orders affecting them absent strict scrutiny justification.

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Bill Summary · SB 1077

Legislative bill overview

SB 1077 establishes the Missouri Religious Liberty Act to prevent courts and government entities from issuing orders that restrict religious groups or places of worship without meeting specific legal standards. The bill creates heightened protections for religious exercise and organizations by requiring government actions that burden religion to satisfy strict scrutiny standards.

Why is this important

Religious liberty protections directly affect whether faith-based organizations can operate freely and how courts balance religious rights against other public interests (public health, safety, or anti-discrimination laws). This bill shapes the legal landscape for disputes involving churches, religious schools, religious nonprofits, and individual religious practice in Missouri.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope ambiguity: The bill's language about "certain orders" may be unclear about which government actions trigger protection—does this apply equally to all situations or create blanket exemptions that could circumvent other laws?
  • Conflict with civil rights: Heightened protections for religious organizations could conflict with anti-discrimination laws (employment, housing, public accommodations), raising questions about which law takes precedence
  • Judicial interpretation burden: "Religious groups" and "places of worship" require definition; disputes may arise over which organizations qualify for protection and what constitutes an unlawful "order"

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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