HB542 provides that, during a state of emergency, the state shall permit religious organizations to operate to the same degree as other organizations that provide essential services or are vital to public health and welfare.
The New Hampshire State Senate passed HB542 on May 27, 2021 by a vote of 14 to 10. We have assigned the pluses to the ayes because no law shall prohibit free exercise of religion and the right to peacefully assemble. These rights are protected by both the Bill of Rights and the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and no situation or event in the United States shall lead to the suspension of those rights.