This bill makes it a Class 6 felony (up from a lower penalty level) to use threats or violence to prevent someone from practicing their religion. The law applies to anyone who intentionally stops another person from performing activities that their religion requires or recommends.
This bill does not directly amend codified state law.
The amendment upgrades the penalty for preventing someone's religious practice from a Class 1 misdemeanor to a Class 6 felony, and makes minor grammatical corrections (changing "threats" to "threat" and simplifying the language). This STRENGTHENS the bill by imposing significantly harsher criminal penalties on those who interfere with religious practice.
Signed by the Governor S.J. 514
Delivered to the Governor S.J. 455
Signed by the Speaker H.J. 493
Signed by the President S.J. 434
House of Representatives Do Pass Passed, YEAS 48, NAYS 18. H.J. 460
Judiciary Do Pass Passed, YEAS 10, NAYS 2. H.J. 29
Judiciary Scheduled for hearing
First read in House and referred to House Judiciary H.J. 238
Senate Do Pass Passed, YEAS 30, NAYS 4. S.J. 185
Judiciary Do Pass Passed, YEAS 7, NAYS 0. S.J. 12
Judiciary Scheduled for hearing
First read in Senate and referred to Senate Judiciary S.J. 92
Prime sponsor · Sen.
R
Prime sponsor · Rep.
R
Do Pass
Judiciary — Do Pass
Do Pass
Judiciary — Do Pass