ATLANTA (March 7, 2012) –The Georgia Senate passed SB 460 on Wednesday by a vote of 38 to 15. Sponsored by Sen. Josh McKoon (R-Columbus), this legislation would exempt religious employers from the health insurance mandate requiring contraceptive coverage.
“I am pleased Senate Bill 460 passed the Senate today,” said Sen. McKoon. “As a strong proponent of pro-life policies and initiatives, I believe it is important to remove restrictive health insurance mandates which go against the beliefs of religious institutions across the state. Religious organizations and employers should have the right to accept or deny this type of coverage, especially as it pertains to the church’s main core values.”
Current law requires every group and individual health insurance plan that provides prescription coverage to also provide contraceptive coverage. If enacted, this legislation would exempt religious employers from this mandate.
A religious employer is identified by the following requirements:
- Must be organized and operated for religious purposes as a nonprofit
- The organization’s primary objective is to teach religious values
- The organization employs staff who share the same religious beliefs
Senate Bill 460 will now travel to the House of Representatives for a vote.
RELEASE
March 7, 2012
For Information Contact:
Natalie Dale, Director
Shawna Mercer,Sr. Communications Specialist
shawna.mercer@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028