Enacts the Protecting Religious Assembly in States of Emergency (PRAISE) Act to prevent discrimination against places of worship during emergencies.

The bill, known as the Protecting Religious Assembly in States of Emergency (PRAISE) Act, amends the civil rights law to ensure that any governmental directive closing or limiting businesses during an emergency must also exempt places of worship to the same extent as other exempt entities. This protection applies to any order, rule, regulation, or other directive issued under emergency or health and safety determinations. Violators may face nominal damages, a declaration of violation, and punitive damages if malice or recklessness is shown. The act takes effect immediately.

Enacts the Protecting Religious Assembly in States of Emergency (PRAISE) Act to prevent discrimination against places of worship during emergencies.

The bill, known as the Protecting Religious Assembly in States of Emergency (PRAISE) Act, amends the civil rights law to ensure that any governmental directive closing or limiting businesses during an emergency must also exempt places of worship to the same extent as other exempt entities. This protection applies to any order, rule, regulation, or other directive issued under emergency or health and safety determinations. Violators may face nominal damages, a declaration of violation, and punitive damages if malice or recklessness is shown. The act takes effect immediately.