R.I. Gen. Laws
Rhode Island General Laws

R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-80.1-3 (2026)

Religious freedom protected

✓ current as of July 2026
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(a) Except as provided for in subsection (b), a governmental authority may not restrict a person’s free exercise of religion.

(b) A governmental authority may restrict a person’s free exercise of religion only if:

(1) The restriction is in the form of a rule of general applicability, and does not intentionally discriminate against religion, or among religions; and

(2) The governmental authority proves that application of the restriction to the person is essential to further a compelling governmental interest, and is the least restrictive means of furthering that compelling governmental interest.

Notes of Decisions
Cited in 5 cases, 2008–2020 · leading case: Combs v. Homer-Ctr. Sch. Dist., 540 F.3d 231 (3rd Cir. 2008).
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Combs v. Homer-Ctr. Sch. Dist., 540 F.3d 231 (3rd Cir. 2008). · cites it 2× “§§ 28-22-3; R.I. Gen. Laws §§ 42-80.1-3. [49] To illustrate, for the purposes of RLUIPA, we recognize that a "substantial burden" exists where: 1) a follower is forced to choose between following the precepts of his religion and forfeiting benefits otherwise generally available…”
Devaney v. Kilmartin, 88 F. Supp. 3d 34 (D.R.I. 2015). · cites it 2× “Based on that review, I recommended that he be denied in forma pauperis status and that he be directed to amend his complaint, which named only the Rhode Island Attorney General and focused only on the Rhode Island Religious Freedom Restoration Act, R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-80.1-3,…”
State of New Hampshire v. Jeremy D. Mack (N.H. 2020). “§ 52 -571b (2017); R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-80.1-3 (2006); see also Gildin, supra, at 31 & n.”
Combs v. Homer Ctr Sch Dist (3rd Cir. 2008). “§§ 28-22-3; R.I. Gen. Laws §§ 42-80.1-3. 81 preserving an effective police power.”
Combs v. Homer Ctr Sch Dist (3rd Cir. 2008). “§§ 28-22-3; R.I. Gen. Laws §§ 42-80.1-3. 81 preserving an effective police power.”
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