The civic record
Read. Follow. Verify.Pennsylvania Bill 54 broadens religious freedom protections and restricts emergency orders from burdening worship
Last action · January 14, 2025: Referred to HEALTH, Jan. 14, 2025Sponsors: Alec Ryncavage and 18 others
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What This Bill Would Do
Pennsylvania House Bill 54 expands the legal definition of what constitutes a substantial government burden on religious freedom and prohibits state agencies from using emergency executive orders or disease control measures as exceptions to bypass these protections. The measure takes effect in 60 days.
Residents and religious organizations gain explicit protection against government penalties, assembly bans, and compelled conduct during declared emergencies, while state and local agencies face new legal restrictions when issuing public health or executive orders.
Who It Would Affect
Groups the bill's text would affect if enacted, as described in the record. Being affected is not a position for or against it.
Religious individuals and organizations
Receive expanded legal protections against government interference, assembly bans, and penalties during emergencies.
State and local government agencies
Face new statutory limitations prohibiting the use of emergency orders and disease control measures to justify burdens on religious exercise.
Key Facts
You don't have to trust us. Each fact below is taken straight from the official document - click any one to see the exact passage, highlighted in the original.
Frequently Asked Questions
What new actions are considered a substantial burden on religion under this bill?
Can the Governor or health agencies use emergency powers to override religious protections?
What else do you want to know?
News Coverage
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Votes, people, money & the original sourceWhere This Stands
Currently in committee. The next step in the legislative lifecycle is Floor Vote.
Procedural history
1 action- Jan 14, 2025HouseCommitteeReferred to HEALTH, Jan. 14, 2025
Version history
Only one version on file - nothing to compare yet. As later stages (committee substitute, engrossed, enrolled) are captured, the redline appears here.
View official text →Lobbying Activity
No state lobbying filings in our records match this bill. Federal lobbying reports (LDA) cover Congress, so they are not listed on state bills.
Full breakdown
Who this bill affects and the strongest case for and against it, written only from the bill’s own text.
Sponsors
Show 14 more sponsors
Connected Entities
Sources
www.palegis.us
Analysis Score
0–100- Significance65How much this matters to a regular citizen
- Controversy75Intensity of disagreement among stakeholders
- Entertainment10Compellingness for a non-policy-wonk reader
- Buzz35Current news / social attention level
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