Two bills that would allow houses of worship to continue in-person services during public health emergencies were heard by the House Emerging Issues Committee.

Rep. Cathy Jo Loy, R-Carthage, sponsored House Bill 1778, which seeks to establish the “Missouri Religious Freedom Protection Act.” It would prevent public officials from ever issuing orders that limit religious gatherings unless the gatherings are used to commit or plan acts of violence.

This would include orders reminiscent of the COVID-19 pandemic era that prevented religious groups from gathering in person.

House Bill 2760, sponsored by Rep. Sean Pouche, R-Kansas City, would establish the “Protecting Religious Assembly in States of Emergency (PRAISE) Act.” Similarly, it prohibits orders that prevent religious gatherings under some emergency declarations.

This restriction would not apply to emergency evacuation orders, but it would apply in the event of public health emergency declarations, like in a pandemic. It also outlines provisions for religious groups to seek damages if they’re prevented from gathering.

Loy said during a hearing Monday that, in practice, these bills would allow Missouri houses of worship to decide whether to close in the face of a public health emergency.

“I think that some churches might do it foolishly, but for the most part, I think people will be really wise in making their decisions,” Loy said.

Rep. Elizabeth Fuchs, D-St. Louis, a member of the Emerging Issues Committee, disagreed with Loy’s self-governing approach to public health legislation.

“When it comes to public health emergencies, we are responsible as a legislature for the health and well-being of our constituents,” Fuchs said. “This body continues to make decisions that, I believe, go against science.”

Brian Kaylor, a Baptist minister from St. Louis, spoke in opposition to both bills. He argued that they overcorrect the restrictions pandemic-era policies imposed.

“If this legislation is passed, it will make our communities less safe by tying the arms of public health officials,” Kaylor said. “Are we going to carve out a special pandemic privilege for religion? Are we going to say only in this area the government can’t do anything to protect life and health?”