HB134 Alabama 2021 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Chip BrownRepresentative

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2021

Title

State of Emergency, religious organizations exemption provided under certain circumstances

Summary

HB134 would shield religious organizations from emergency orders that unduly burden their religious exercise during any state of emergency.

What This Bill Does

It adds a formal exemption in the Alabama Emergency Management Act for religious organizations. Churches, temples, mosques, synagogues, and their congregations would not have to follow emergency orders, rules, or requirements if those orders unduly burden their free exercise of religion. The exemption applies to emergencies including public health and technological emergencies proclaimed under the Act. The bill becomes effective immediately after passage and governor approval.

Who It Affects

• Religious organizations (churches, temples, mosques, synagogues, etc.) and their congregations, who would be exempt from emergency orders that unduly burden their religious practices.
• Individuals engaged in the exercise of religion, who would be exempt from emergency orders to the extent those orders unduly burden their free exercise.

Key Provisions

• Exemption from any emergency order, rule, regulation, or other requirement during a state of emergency if it unduly burdens the religious organization's free exercise of religion.
• Applies to emergencies proclaimed under the Alabama Emergency Management Act of 1955, including public health emergencies and technological emergencies.
• Covers churches, temples, synagogues, mosques, or other religious organizations and their congregations.
• Effective immediately following passage and governor approval (or becoming law by other means).

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 22, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

State of Emergency