SB261 Alabama 2015 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Gerald H. AllenSenator

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2015

Title

Child Care Provider Inclusion Act, established, state prohibited from discriminating against child care service providers under certain conditions, civil remedies, provided for

Summary

The Alabama Child Care Provider Inclusion Act would protect licensed child care providers from state discrimination or license actions if they decline to provide services that conflict with their religious beliefs, with civil remedies for violations.

What This Bill Does

It prohibits state entities from discriminating against or denying licenses to providers who decline to provide services that conflict with their religious beliefs. It allows civil remedies for violations, including attorneys' fees. It also defines key terms and asserts that providers' right to freely exercise religion should be protected, while allowing other providers to continue offering services when one declines.

Who It Affects

• Licensed child care providers (individuals or organizations) who may decline to offer certain services due to religious beliefs and are protected from adverse actions or license denial.
• State licensing agencies and other governmental entities that must apply non-discriminatory rules and avoid taking adverse actions based on religious beliefs.
• Children and families who rely on child care services, who benefit from continued access and the ability of other providers to step in if one provider declines to provide a service.

Key Provisions

• Prohibits the state from discriminating against or taking adverse action against a licensed child care provider for declining to provide a service that conflicts with the provider's religious beliefs (Section 5(a)).
• If a provider declines to provide, facilitate, or refer for a child welfare service, the decision may not limit the ability of another provider to provide those services (Section 5(b)).
• Allows civil remedies for violations, including declaratory relief, injunctive relief, damages, and reasonable attorney's fees and costs (Section 6).
• Effective immediately upon passage and approval by the Governor (Section 7).
• Defines key terms such as adverse action, child care program, and child care service (Section 3).

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Child Care