Representative Hannah Kelly (r) [2019 file photo].
A bill, introduced yesterday by Representative Hannah Kelly (r):
HB 837
Prohibits public institutions of higher learning from discriminating against a religious student association or denying a religious student association any benefit available to any other student association
Sponsor: Kelly, Hannah (141)
Proposed Effective Date: 8/28/2019
LR Number: 1782H.01I
Last Action: 02/06/2019 – Read Second Time (H)
Bill String: HB 837
Next House Hearing: Hearing not scheduled
Calendar: HOUSE BILLS FOR SECOND READING
The bill summary [pdf]:
HB 837 — RELIGIOUS STUDENT ASSOCIATIONS
SPONSOR: Kelly (141)
This bill prohibits public institutions of higher learning from taking any action or enforcing any policy that denies a religious student association benefits available to other student associations. The bill also prohibits discrimination against a religious student association based on its requirement that leaders of the association adhere to its sincerely held religious beliefs, religious practice requirements, or religious standards of conduct.
The bill also authorizes aggrieved religious student associations to seek appropriate relief in a judicial or administrative proceeding against a public institution of higher learning that violates the requirements of the bill.
This bill is similar to HB 2074 (2018) and HCS HB 642 (2017).
If Pastafarians want to hold a spaghetti dinner on campus on Talk Like a Pirate Day would that qualify? Would this exempt them from having to provide a separate sauce for vegetarians? Just asking.
Previously:
HB 696: Now you’ve gone and done it. You’ve really upset the Pastafarians. (January 23, 2017)
![Hannah Kelly (r) [2017 file photo].](https://showmeprogress.files.wordpress.com/2017/01/20170104-606a0772.jpg)
