A bill introduced by Republican Rep. Tammie Wilson of North Pole aims to safeguard the religious liberties of Alaska children while in state custody.

Pre-filed on Jan. 10, HB 191 would require foster parents to ensure that a child is able to continue attending their home church while placed in foster care. The bill would also ensure that a child be housed with foster parents or agencies in areas that are accessible by road to the child’s home church.

When a child is taken into state custody, information regarding medical providers, day care facilities and schools are already collected. House Bill 191 recognizes that spiritual needs of children are of equal importance and it would ensure that the state also acquire the names, addresses and telephone numbers of churches the child was attending before being taken into state custody.

Legislator began filing bills on Jan. 10 for the upcoming legislative session in Juneau which starts on Jan. 21. Click here to view all prefiled bills. The next round of prefiled bills will occur on Jan. 17.