House & Senate Pass Bill that Protects Religious Institutions during Emergencies

After passing the Senate (31-3), SB 254 (Brodeur) was substituted for HB 215 (DiCeglie) and passed by the House (88-29) on March 2. The legislation will head next to the desk of Governor Ron DeSantis to await his signature. 

SB 254 seeks to prevent bias against religious institutions. The bill text provides that no emergency order may "expressly prohibit a religious institution from regular religious services or activities" and allows an exemption that permits an emergency order only if it  applies to all affected institutions equally. This means that churches cannot be prevented from gathering for worship if other in-person events or businesses are allowed to continue operations.