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Bill

Bill

A 1848

Enacts the Protecting Religious Assembly in States of Emergency (PRAISE) Act

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Joe Angelino

The PRAISE Act protects religious gatherings during emergencies, ensuring they face no stricter rules than secular events, and allows legal recourse for violations.

REFERRED TO GOVERNMENTAL OPERATIONS
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · A 1848

Summary of Bill A 1848: Protecting Religious Assembly in States of Emergency (PRAISE) Act

Purpose and Intent

The Protecting Religious Assembly in States of Emergency (PRAISE) Act aims to safeguard the rights of individuals to assemble for religious purposes during declared states of emergency. The bill seeks to ensure that religious gatherings are not unduly restricted or prohibited by state or local authorities in times of crisis, such as natural disasters, public health emergencies, or other significant disruptions.

Key Provisions

  • Protection of Religious Gatherings: The bill explicitly prohibits state and local governments from imposing restrictions on religious assemblies that are more stringent than those applied to secular gatherings during a state of emergency.
  • Emergency Declaration Guidelines: It establishes guidelines for how states can declare emergencies and the conditions under which they may impose restrictions on gatherings.
  • Legal Recourse: The bill provides individuals and religious organizations with the right to seek legal remedies if they believe their rights to assemble have been violated during an emergency.
  • Public Awareness Campaign: It mandates a public awareness campaign to inform citizens of their rights regarding religious assembly during emergencies.

Who Would Be Affected

  • Religious Organizations: Churches, synagogues, mosques, and other places of worship would benefit from enhanced protections for their assembly rights.
  • Individuals: Members of religious communities would have greater assurance that they can gather for worship and other religious activities, even during emergencies.
  • Government Entities: State and local governments would need to adjust their emergency response protocols to comply with the provisions of this bill.

Procedural Aspects

  • Introduced Date: The bill was introduced on January 14, 2025.
  • Current Status: As of now, the bill has been referred to the Governmental Operations Committee for further consideration.
  • Related Legislation: This bill is related to A 8847, which was introduced in a prior session, indicating ongoing legislative interest in the protection of religious assembly rights.

Conclusion

The PRAISE Act represents a legislative effort to ensure that the right to religious assembly is upheld during emergencies, reflecting a commitment to religious freedom and the importance of community worship. As the bill progresses through the legislative process, its implications for both religious organizations and government practices will be closely monitored.

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

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