Kentucky 2024 Regular Session Status: In Committee 22 R cosponsors

HB 47 — AN ACT relating to restoring religious liberty.

Last action — recommitted to Appropriations & Revenue (H)

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  1. ✓
    Introduced
  2. 2
    In Committee
  3. 3
    Passed House
  4. 4
    Passed Senate
  5. 5
    To Executive
  6. 6
    Enacted

This bill died with 2024 Regular Session. It reached “In Committee” and never advanced before the session ended, so it can no longer move — a new version would have to be reintroduced in the current session.

This bill is no longer active — its legislative session has ended, so there is no live prognosis. It would have to be reintroduced in the current session to move again.

Summary

Amend KRS 446.350 to define "government" and "substantially burden"; outline relief that may be sought if statute is violated; apply to laws adopted before or after enaction of this statute; include severability clause; waive sovereign, governmental, and qualified immunity.

Bill Text

How this bill changes current law

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Compared against the Kentucky Revised Statutes as published AI-generated reading aid — verify against the official bill.

The bill expands the definitions of 'government' and 'substantially burden' in KRS 446.350 and clarifies the rights and remedies available for violations of religious freedom, while also waiving sovereign immunity in certain cases.

  • KRS 446.350

    1. Any administrative organization of the Commonwealth described in KRS 12.020; and 2. Any person acting under color of state law or suing under or attempting to enforce a law, rule, policy, or administrative regulation adopted by the Commonwealth or any of its political subdivisions;

    The definition of 'government' is expanded to include any administrative organization and individuals enforcing laws under state authority.

  • KRS 446.350

    means any action that directly or indirectly constrains, inhibits, curtails, or denies the exercise of religion by any person or compels any action contrary to a person's exercise of religion, including but not limited to:

    The definition of 'substantially burden' is broadened to include various actions that hinder religious exercise.

  • KRS 446.350

    A "burden" shall include indirect burdens such as withholding benefits, assessing penalties, or an exclusion from programs or access to facilities.

    The explicit definition of 'burden' is removed, but examples of actions that may be considered burdens are elaborated in the new definition of 'substantially burden'.

  • KRS 446.350

    and obtain appropriate relief, including relief against the Commonwealth or its political subdivisions.

    Individuals can assert claims for substantial burdens on their religious exercise, including seeking relief from state entities.

  • KRS 446.350

    Appropriate relief shall include but is not limited to: (a) Injunctive relief; (b) Declaratory relief; (c) Compensatory damages; (d) Costs; and (e) Attorney's fees.

    The bill specifies the types of relief available for violations of the statute.

  • KRS 446.350

    This statute applies to all state and local laws, administrative regulations, and ordinances and the implementation of those laws, administrative regulations, and ordinances, whether statutory or otherwise, and whether adopted before or after the effective date of this Act.

    The scope of the statute is clarified to apply broadly to all levels of government and their regulations.

  • KRS 446.350

    Sovereign, governmental, and qualified immunity are waived to the extent of liability created under this section.

    The bill allows for legal action against the government in cases of religious freedom violations.

Action History

  1. recommitted to Appropriations & Revenue (H)

  2. taken from the Orders of the Day

  3. recommitted to Rules (H)

  4. taken from the Orders of the Day

  5. posted for passage in the Regular Orders of the Day for Tuesday, March 12, 2024

  6. floor amendment (2) filed to Committee Substitute

  7. floor amendment (1) filed to Committee Substitute

  8. 2nd reading, to Rules

  9. reported favorably, 1st reading, to Calendar with Committee Substitute (1)

  10. to Judiciary (H)

  11. to Committee on Committees (H)

  12. introduced in House

Sponsors

Sponsorship breakdown

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22 sponsors · 0 co-sponsors · 116 not signed on

Sponsors (22)

Co-sponsors (0)

None.

Not signed on (116)

116 members have not signed on to this bill.

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"Not signed on" means a member has not sponsored or co-sponsored this bill — it does not imply opposition. Members flagged Voted No have a recorded No vote on this bill.

Whip count is in markup. Polling the chamber and every recorded vote this session. Only the first open is slow. It’s instant for you after this. Calling the roll · Tallying · Engrossing

Subjects

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Frequently asked questions

What does HB 47 do?
Amend KRS 446.350 to define "government" and "substantially burden"; outline relief that may be sought if statute is violated; apply to laws adopted before or after enaction of this statute; include severability clause; waive sovereign, governmental, and qualified immunity.
Who sponsors HB 47?
HB 47 is sponsored by Steve Rawlings (Republican), Shane Baker (Republican), Josh Calloway (Republican), Jennifer Decker (Republican), Steven Doan (Republican), Ryan Dotson (Republican), Patrick Flannery (Republican), Chris Fugate (Republican), David Hale (Republican), Mark Hart (Republican), John Hodgson (Republican), Matt Lockett (Republican), Savannah Maddox (Republican), Candy Massaroni (Republican), Jason Nemes (Republican), Marianne Proctor (Republican), Felicia Rabourn (Republican), Scott Sharp (Republican), Nancy Tate (Republican), Walker Thomas (Republican), James Tipton (Republican), and Timmy Truett (Republican).
What is the current status of HB 47?
This bill died with 2024 Regular Session. It reached “In Committee” and never advanced before the session ended, so it can no longer move — a new version would have to be reintroduced in the current session.
Where can I track HB 47?
Track HB 47 free on One Click Politics — get push/email alerts when it moves.

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Last checked for changes 3 months ago · updated continuously

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