Missouri HB1194: Establishes the "PRAISE Act" prohibiting the closure of places of worship during an emergency

What the bill says

To amend chapter 1, RSMo, by adding thereto one new section relating to houses of worship. Section A. Chapter 1, RSMo, is amended by adding thereto one new section, to be known as.

From the introduced text:

To amend chapter 1, RSMo, by adding thereto one new section relating to houses of worship. Section A. Chapter 1, RSMo, is amended by adding thereto one new section, to be known as section 1.810, to read as follows: 1.810. 1. This section shall be known and may be cited as the "Protecting Religious Assembly in States of Emergency (PRAISE) Act". 2. During states of emergency declared under the provisions of chapter 44 or ordersmade with thepowers grantedunder section192.020, neither thestatenorany of its political subdivisions shall impose restrictions upon religious places of worship with theintenttomake,ortheeffectofmaking,religiousservicesimpractical. Ifanyentityis exempt from such emergency declarations or orders, religious places of worship shall also be exempt. Emergency declarations and orders shall not prohibit religious services that are held on private property. 3. The provisions of subsection 2 of this section shall not apply to emergency evacuation orders involving imminent danger from flooding, fires, tornadoes, earthquakes, terrorist threats, civil unrest, or hazardous material incidents that apply generally to the area where the religious place of worship or the residences of its members are located. Once the imminent danger has passed, religious services shall be allowed to resume. 4. If the state or any of its political subdivisions violate this section, the religious place or places of worship affected may bring a civil action for relief in …

Read the full official text

Sponsors

• Pouche, Sean (R, 013) · primary sponsor

Latest actions

1. May 15, 2025: Referred: Emerging Issues(H)
2. February 6, 2025: Read Second Time (H)
3. February 5, 2025: Introduced and Read First Time (H)

Common questions

What is HB1194?

HB1194 is a bill in the Missouri Legislature (2025 Regular Session): Establishes the "PRAISE Act" prohibiting the closure of places of worship during an emergency.

What does HB1194 do?

In its own words: To amend chapter 1, RSMo, by adding thereto one new section relating to houses of worship. Section A. Chapter 1, RSMo, is amended by adding thereto one new section, to be known as.

What is the status of HB1194?

In committee as of May 15, 2025. Latest action: Referred: Emerging Issues(H) (May 15, 2025).

Who sponsored HB1194?

Pouche, Sean (R, 013).

Where is the official record for HB1194?

On the Missouri Legislature website: https://house.mo.gov/BillContent.aspx?bill=HB1194&year=2025&code=R