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HB 1669

TO CREATE THE KEEP KIDS FIRST ACT; AND TO PROVIDE FOR PROTECTIONS FROM DISCRIMINATION FOR ADOPTION AND FOSTER CARE PROVIDERS ACTING IN ACCORDANCE WITH SINCERELY HELD RELIGIOUS BELIEFS.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Mary Bentley and 1 co-sponsor

The Keep Kids First Act protects faith-based adoption and foster care agencies from state discrimination, ensuring they can operate according to their religious beliefs.

Notification that HB1669 is now Act 509
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 1669

Summary of House Bill 1669: Keep Kids First Act

Overview

House Bill 1669, titled the Keep Kids First Act, was introduced in the Arkansas General Assembly on March 4, 2025. The bill aims to provide protections against discrimination for adoption and foster care providers who act in accordance with their sincerely held religious beliefs. It has been enacted as Act 509 as of April 10, 2025.

Purpose and Intent

The primary intent of HB 1669 is to ensure that faith-based adoption and foster care agencies can operate without facing discrimination from the state. The bill recognizes the importance of these organizations in providing safe and loving homes for children in need, affirming their right to exercise their religious beliefs in their operations.

Key Provisions

  1. Protection from Discrimination:

    • The bill prohibits state government actions that discriminate against private child placement agencies based on their religious beliefs. This includes actions that could alter tax treatments, deny grants, or affect licensing and employment based on these beliefs.

  2. Conscience Clause:

    • Child placement agencies are not required to participate in placements that conflict with their sincerely held religious or moral beliefs. This clause protects agencies from being compelled to act against their convictions.

  3. Definition of Discriminatory Actions:

    • The bill defines "discriminatory action" broadly, encompassing various forms of state intervention that could negatively impact faith-based providers, including tax penalties, grant denials, and adverse employment actions.

  4. Legislative Findings:

    • The bill includes findings that emphasize the historical role of faith-based organizations in adoption and foster care, the constitutional right to free exercise of religion, and the benefits of having a diverse range of providers in the child welfare system.

Impact

  • Adoption and Foster Care Providers: The bill primarily affects faith-based organizations involved in adoption and foster care, ensuring they can continue their services without fear of discrimination.
  • Children in Care: By supporting a diverse array of providers, the bill aims to enhance the availability of homes for children in need, potentially increasing the number of foster families.
  • State Government: The bill places limitations on the state's ability to enforce policies that could conflict with the religious beliefs of child placement agencies.

Procedural Timeline

  • March 4, 2025: Bill filed and introduced.
  • March 20, 2025: Amendment #1 adopted, and the bill was reported correctly engrossed.
  • April 3, 2025: Passed by the Senate and returned to the House.
  • April 8, 2025: Senate amendment concurred in.
  • April 10, 2025: Enacted as Act 509.

Conclusion

The Keep Kids First Act represents a significant legislative effort to protect the rights of faith-based adoption and foster care providers in Arkansas. By ensuring these organizations can operate according to their religious beliefs, the bill seeks to maintain a diverse and effective child welfare system.

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

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