Bill Text: VA HB189 | 2012 | Regular Session | Chaptered
Bill Title: Child-placing agency; shall not be required to participate in placement of child for foster care.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 17-0)
Status: (Passed) 2012-04-09 - Governor: Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0690) [HB189 Detail]
Download: Virginia-2012-HB189-Chaptered.html
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Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia: 1. That the Code of Virginia is amended by adding a section numbered 63.2-1709.3 as follows: §63.2-1709.3. Child-placing agencies; conscience clause. A. To the extent allowed by federal law, no private child-placing agency shall be required to perform, assist, counsel, recommend, consent to, refer, or participate in any placement of a child for foster care or adoption when the proposed placement would violate the agency's written religious or moral convictions or policies. B. The Commissioner shall not deny an application for an initial license or renewal of a license or revoke the license of a private child-placing agency because of the agency's objection to performing, assisting, counseling, recommending, consenting to, referring, or participating in a placement that violates the agency's written religious or moral convictions or policies. C. A state or local government entity may not deny a private child-placing agency any grant, contract, or participation in a government program because of the agency's objection to performing, assisting, counseling, recommending, consenting to, referring, or participating in a placement that violates the agency's written religious or moral convictions or policies. D. Refusal of a private child-placing agency to perform, assist, counsel, recommend, consent to, refer, or participate in a placement that violates the agency's written religious or moral convictions or policies shall not form the basis of any claim for damages. |
