Committee advances bill stopping denial of grants solely for religious character

Senator Daniels, serving as Floor Leader, presented Senate Bill 1307 to the Senate Economic Development, Workforce and Tourism Committee as a technical cleanup following the 2023 update to the Religious Freedom Restoration Act. "You cannot deny a public benefit...based solely on the fact that somebody applying for the grant may be religious in character," Daniels said, explaining the bill removes language rooted in 19th‑century discriminatory practices.

Senator Goodwin questioned how the change aligns with public dollars and the Establishment Clause, asking how the bill squares with funding agencies that use tax money. Daniels replied the measure follows Supreme Court precedent allowing neutral benefits to religious organizations and cited a 2004 decision in a case involving playground rubber where denial based on religious identity was overturned.

The bill was seconded by Senator Brix and, after brief discussion and no further debate, the clerk called the roll. The committee recorded 7 ayes and 1 nay and the chair declared Senate Bill 1307 passed.

The discussion focused on statutory language cleanup rather than expanding new benefits; Daniels said if an organization fails grant parameters for reasons other than religious character it should remain ineligible. The committee did not request further amendments and took no additional direction.