Establishes the "Missouri Religious Freedom Protection Act"
Summary
HB75 creates the “Missouri Religious Freedom Protection Act” by adding a new section to Chapter 1 of Missouri law. The bill defines “place of worship” and “public official,” then prohibits public officials from issuing orders that have the effect of limiting or prohibiting religious groups or places of worship from holding religious services or meetings.
The bill includes two express exceptions. It does not protect religious groups that use places of worship to knowingly commit or plan acts of violence or harm, and it does not prevent places of worship from complying with applicable building and fire codes. In practical terms, the measure is aimed at limiting government restrictions on worship services while preserving public safety and code-enforcement authority.
Impact
HB75 would add a new statutory protection for religious exercise in Missouri law and constrain the ability of state and local officials to issue orders affecting religious services and meetings. It would affect public officials across state government and political subdivisions, as well as religious organizations and houses of worship, while preserving enforcement of building and fire safety requirements and excluding conduct involving planned or knowing violence or harm.
Sentiment
The bill appears to have received strong support in the House, passing third reading with 106 yeas and 38 nays. That vote suggests broad but not unanimous approval, consistent with a generally favorable sentiment toward protecting religious liberty, alongside some concern about the scope of limits on government authority.
Contention
The main point of contention is the balance between religious freedom and the government’s ability to regulate public health, safety, and other emergencies through orders that could affect worship services. Supporters likely view the bill as a safeguard against overreach, while opponents may worry it could restrict legitimate public-safety actions or create conflicts with local emergency orders. The bill addresses some of these concerns by preserving building and fire code compliance and excluding groups involved in planned or knowing violence.