HB158 Alabama 2016 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Rich Wingo

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2016

Title

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

Summary

HB158 would shield child care providers from state discrimination or licensing penalties when they decline to offer services that conflict with their religious beliefs.

What This Bill Does

It would prohibit the state from discriminating against or refusing to license or renew a provider's license for declines to provide a service or carry out an activity that conflicts with the provider's religious beliefs. It would authorize civil remedies, including attorney's fees, for enforcement. It also defines key terms like adverse action, provider, and child care program to guide how the law would be applied.

Who It Affects

• Child care service providers (individuals or organizations) who hold religious beliefs and may decline to provide certain services; they would be protected from adverse actions or licensing penalties for such declines.
• State and local government agencies and licensing bodies that oversee child care programs; they would be prohibited from discriminating against providers for declines tied to religious beliefs and would be subject to enforcement remedies if they violate the act.

Key Provisions

• The state may not discriminate against or take adverse action against a licensed child care provider because the provider declines to provide a service or carry out an activity that conflicts with the provider's sincerely held religious beliefs.
• The state may not refuse to issue, renew, or otherwise license a provider for such declines, and subsection (b) of Section 5 ensures that a provider's decline does not prevent others from providing or referring for those services.
• Civil remedies are available for providers harmed by violations, including declaratory relief, injunctive relief, damages, and reasonable attorneys' fees and costs.
• Definitions are provided for adverse action, child care program, provider, and child care service to clarify who and what is covered by the act, including licensed programs under the Alabama Child Care Act of 1971.
• The act affirms that religious exercise rights are protected and clarifies that it is not intended to limit eligibility to adopt or participate in foster care.

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