Rhode Island Religious Freedom Restoration Act

§ 42-80.1-1.  Short title.
This chapter shall be known as the “Religious Freedom Restoration Act”.
History
P.L. 1993, ch. 230, § 1.
§ 42-80.1-2.  Definitions.
As used in this chapter:
“Governmental authority” means any department, agency, commission, committee, board, council, bureau or authority or any subdivision of state or municipal government.
History
P.L. 1993, ch. 230, § 1.
§ 42-80.1-3.  Religious freedom protected.
(a)  Except as provided for in subsection (b), a governmental authority may not restrict a person’s free exercise of religion.
(b)  A governmental authority may restrict a person’s free exercise of religion only if:
(1)  The restriction is in the form of a rule of general applicability, and does not intentionally discriminate against religion, or among religions; and
(2)  The governmental authority proves that application of the restriction to the person is essential to further a compelling governmental interest, and is the least restrictive means of furthering that compelling governmental interest.
History
P.L. 1993, ch. 230, § 1.
§ 42-80.1-4.  Remedies.
In any civil action alleging a violation of this chapter, the court may:
(1)  Afford injunctive and declaratory relief against any governmental authority which commits or proposes to commit a violation of this chapter, and;
(2)  Award a prevailing plaintiff damages.
History
P.L. 1993, ch. 230, § 1.