CONTENTS | < PREVIOUS | NEXT > | BILL INDEX

Religious and Charitable Matters; Cemeteries

P Passed

P HB696

Solicitation of Contributions Act; exemptions. Clarifies the exemption from the Solicitation of Contributions Act for any health care institution granted tax-exempt status under § 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code that is wholly organized for the delivery of health care services without charges (free clinics). For the purposes of the bill, "delivery of health care services without charge" includes the delivery of dental, medical or other health services where a reasonable minimum fee is charged to cover administrative costs. The bill also contains technical amendments.

Patron - Sherwood

P HB1214

Solicitation of Contributions Act; enforcement. Authorizes the Attorney General to issue civil investigative demands for violations of the Solicitation of Contributions Act. Currently, the Attorney General has this authority under the Virginia Antitrust Act and the Consumer Protection Act. The Attorney General, in his discretion, may present and disclose any investigative evidence in any action or proceeding brought by the Attorney General under the Virginia Antitrust Act. The bill contains technical amendments.

Patron - Cantor

F Failed

F HB1225

Religious and charitable matters; religious freedom preserved. Provides that no government entity shall substantially burden a person's free exercise of religion except if (i) the government entity proves that application of the restriction to the person is essential to further a compelling governmental interest and (ii) the proposed action is the least restrictive means of furthering that interest. "Government entity" as defined under the bill includes state and local governments and those officials acting under color of state law. The bill provides that a person whose exercise of religious freedom has been burdened may assert a claim of violation in a judicial proceeding and the court may grant appropriate relief, including attorney's fees.

Patron - McEachin

F SB448

Religious and charitable matters; religious freedom preserved. Provides that no government entity shall substantially burden a person's free exercise of religion except if (i) the government entity proves that application of the restriction to the person is essential to further a compelling governmental interest and (ii) the proposed action is the least restrictive means of furthering that interest. "Government entity" as defined under the bill includes state and local governments and those officials acting under color of state law. The bill provides that a person whose exercise of religious freedom has been burdened may assert a claim of violation in a judicial proceeding and the court may grant appropriate relief, including attorney's fees.

Patron - Mims