Enact the Ohio Religious Freedom Restoration Act

Legislative status

1. Introduced
2. In Committee
3. Reported by Committee
4. Floor Vote Scheduled
5. Passed One Chamber
6. Passed Both Chambers
7. Sent to Executive
8. Signed into Law

Summary

The bill creates a Religious Freedom Restoration Act for Ohio, prohibiting state and local agencies from imposing substantial burdens on a person’s exercise of religion unless the government can show a compelling interest and that the action is the least restrictive way to achieve it. It lets individuals file lawsuits against those agencies, waives governmental immunity, and may award attorney fees. The measure also clarifies it does not alter the constitutional separation of church and state.

AI-generated summary — may be incomplete or inaccurate. Verify against the official bill text.

Hearings

• House Judiciary: H. B. No. 611, H. B. No. 459, Sub. S. B. No. 174, H. B. No. 491, H. B. No. 952, H. B. No. 686
  House Judiciary · Jun 10, 2026

History

1. May 27, 2026Referred to committee
2. May 26, 2026Introduced

Sponsors

• Adam Mathews (R) · sponsor
• Tex Fischer

Bill text

Opens the legislature’s own copy.

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