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HB 371

RELIGIOUS ORGANIZATIONS: Provides relative to the free exercise of religion

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Beryl Amedée and 24 co-sponsors

Louisiana Act 358 expands religious organizations' legal protections for faith-based decision-making in employment, services, and operations, effective immediately.

Signed by the Governor. Becomes Act No. 358.
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Bill Summary · HB 371

Legislative bill overview

HB 371 (Act No. 358) amends Louisiana law to expand protections for religious organizations' free exercise of religion. The bill became effective immediately upon the Governor's signature on June 20, 2025. The specific provisions modify existing state law to provide religious organizations with broader discretion in their operations and decision-making.

Why is this important

Religious organizations operate throughout Louisiana in education, healthcare, social services, and community programs. Changes to their legal protections can affect employment practices, service provision policies, and organizational autonomy—impacting both the organizations themselves and individuals who interact with them. This legislation signals a shift in how state law balances religious liberty claims against other statutory requirements.

Potential points of contention

  • Employment discrimination concerns: Expanded religious exercise protections may allow faith-based organizations to apply stricter hiring/employment standards based on religious criteria, potentially conflicting with civil rights protections for employees
  • Service access and inclusivity: Religious organizations receiving public funding or operating in essential service sectors may deny services based on religious beliefs, raising equity questions for vulnerable populations
  • Scope ambiguity: Without access to specific bill language, the extent of protections granted—whether applying only to internal governance or external service delivery—remains unclear and could lead to litigation over interpretation

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

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