SB145 Alabama 2017 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Bill Hightower

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2017

Title

Child Placing Agency Inclusion Act, state prohibited from discriminating against child care service providers based on religious beliefs, civil remedies

Summary

The Alabama Child Placing Agency Inclusion Act would protect child placing agencies from state discrimination if they decline to make placements that conflict with their religious beliefs, while requiring them to meet minimum standards.

What This Bill Does

It prohibits the state from discriminating against or denying licenses to child placing agencies who decline to provide a placement that conflicts with their religious beliefs, as long as they meet minimum standards. It also prohibits adverse actions like enforcement, license denial or suspension for such declines. The act preserves access to services by allowing other agencies to handle placements, and it provides remedies under state and federal religious freedom protections for agencies harmed by violations.

Who It Affects

• Child placing agencies (including religiously affiliated ones): protected when declining to place a child in a way that conflicts with their beliefs, if they otherwise meet required standards.
• Children and families seeking adoption or foster care: access to placement services remains available through other agencies, and individual eligibility to adopt or participate in foster care is not narrowed by this act.

Key Provisions

• Prohibits the state from discriminating against or taking adverse action against a licensed child placing agency for declines to provide a placement that conflicts with the agency's religious beliefs, provided minimum standards are met.
• Defines key terms (adverse action, child placing agency, child placement service) and requires agencies to meet the Minimum Standards for Child Placing Agencies.
• Allows relief through the Alabama Administrative Procedure Act and protects rights under the U.S. First Amendment and Alabama Religious Freedom Amendment for aggrieved agencies.
• Ensures that if one agency declines, other agencies may still provide placements, preserving access to services for children and families.
• Not intended to limit or deny the eligibility of individuals to adopt a child or participate in foster care.
• Effective immediately upon passage and governor approval.

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 Service Providers