Last Week in Review: February 29–March 4

As we enter a new week, here's a reminder of all of the bills that moved during the week of February 29–March 4.

Kentucky HB 572

This bill, which would change the state’s role in marriage, was introduced on March 1, 2016.

West Virginia HB 4012

West Virginia’s RFRA bill, a piece of legislation that would have created a potential religious exemption to each and every state and local law in the Mountain State, failed a Senate vote on March 2, 2016.

Alabama SB 204

This adoption bill passed a Senate committee on March 2, 2016.

Alabama SB 143

This bill, which would change the state’s role in marriage, passed a Senate committee hearing on March 3, 2016.

Florida HB 43/SB 110

HB 43 and SB 110 are identical bills that would establish a Pastor Protection Act and allow wedding services business owners to refuse services to couples based on religious beliefs. HB 43 both passed the House and was substituted for on the Senate floor for SB 110 on March 2, 2016. The two bills passed the Senate on March 3, and have now been sent to Governor Rick Scott.

Virginia SB 41

This bill, which was originally a bill that would allow government employees to refuse to grant marriage licenses based on religious beliefs, was amended to a state FADA by the House committee on March 3, 2016.

Louisiana HB 597

This bill, which would establish a Pastor Protection Act and allow wedding services business owners to refuse services to couples based on religious beliefs, was pre-filed and referred to the House committee on March 4, 2016.