SB204 Alabama 2016 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Paul Bussman

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

SB204 would shield child care providers from state discrimination or licensing actions based on their religious beliefs and allow civil remedies if violated.

What This Bill Does

The bill would prohibit the state from discriminating against licensed child care providers or denying/withholding licenses because the provider declines to provide a service that conflicts with their religious beliefs. It would also authorize civil remedies, including damages and attorney’s fees, for violations. Additionally, it clarifies that if a provider declines to provide welfare services, other providers may still offer those services, and the act would take effect immediately after passage.

Who It Affects

• Licensed child care service providers (individuals or organizations) who hold sincerely held religious beliefs and may decline to provide certain services.
• State and local government entities that license or regulate child care programs, who would be restricted from taking adverse actions or denying licensing based on providers' religious beliefs.

Key Provisions

• Prohibits government entities from discriminating against or taking adverse actions against licensed child care providers for declining to provide a service that conflicts with the provider's religious beliefs, or for activities that conflict with those beliefs.
• Prohibits refusing to license or renew a provider's license for declining to carry out an activity that conflicts with the provider's religious beliefs.
• Allows civil remedies for violations, including declaratory relief, injunctive relief, damages, and reasonable attorney's fees and costs.
• Defines key terms and states that if a provider declines to provide welfare services, other providers may still offer those services; the act becomes effective immediately upon passage.

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