The Lead Off
- Ohio lawmakers have introduced House Bill 952, the “Ohio Religious Freedom Restoration Act,” expanding legal options for religious freedom lawsuits.
- The bill would allow Ohioans to sue state or local governments if they believe laws burden their religious exercise.
- The proposal is now under review by the Ohio House Judiciary Committee and has drawn both support and concern.
COLUMBUS, OH (WOWO) A new Ohio House proposal would allow residents to sue state and local governments if they believe laws or policies interfere with their exercise of religion.
House Bill 952, titled the “Ohio Religious Freedom Restoration Act,” was introduced by State Reps. Adam Mathews (R-Lebanon) and Tex Fischer (R-Canfield). The measure is now being considered by the Ohio House Judiciary Committee.
Bill expands legal action over religious burden claims
Under the proposal, government entities would be prohibited from “substantially burdening a person’s exercise of religion,” including through laws that do not explicitly reference religion.
The bill would allow lawsuits to be filed in either a person’s home county or Franklin County Common Pleas Court if they believe their religious rights have been infringed.
It would also remove certain government immunity protections, allowing cases to proceed more easily through the courts.
The legislation states that laws burdening religious exercise could only be enforced if the government demonstrates a compelling interest and uses the least restrictive means possible.
Sponsors say bill protects constitutional freedoms
Supporters of the legislation say the bill is intended to strengthen religious liberty protections in Ohio.
“The Ohio Religious Freedom Restoration Act is about limiting government overreach and protecting one of our most cherished constitutional freedoms,” Fischer and Mathews said in a joint statement.
The bill also clarifies that providing government funding, benefits, or exemptions where permitted under the First Amendment would not violate the act, though denying certain support could be challenged under the proposal.
Previous Ohio effort and legal background
A similar version of the Ohio Religious Freedom Restoration Act was introduced in 2014 but did not advance after concerns were raised during committee review.
The American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio warned at the time that broad language could allow lawsuits over routine government actions, including enforcement of parking or municipal regulations during religious services.
The federal Religious Freedom Restoration Act, passed in 1993, prohibits the federal government from substantially burdening religious exercise unless strict legal standards are met. However, it does not include a private right of action and does not apply to states following a 1997 Supreme Court ruling.
Legislative status and next steps
House Bill 952 has been referred to the House Judiciary Committee and received its first hearing on Wednesday. Lawmakers are expected to take up additional legislative work after returning from recess later this month.
Further action on the bill is not expected until after the November 3 election cycle concludes.
