HB 3540

Abstract

Creates the Right of Conscience Act. Defines terms. Provides that no person or qualifying entity shall be coerced to act or engage in speech or held liable for refusing to engage in speech or refusing to act if such refusal was to exercise a right of conscience. Provides that for any action or administrative proceeding brought against a person or qualifying entity that seeks to enjoin or seeks damages for a refusal to engage in speech or an act by the person or qualifying entity, and the person or qualifying entity refused to engage in the speech or refused to act, the person or qualifying entity may assert a counterclaim in the action that the speech or act sought by the plaintiff violates or otherwise infringes upon the person's or qualifying entity's right of conscience. Provides that the remedies under the Act shall be in addition to any other remedy. Provides that if a person or qualifying entity prevails in a counterclaim, the court may award reasonable attorney's fees to the person or qualifying entity.