A New Jersey lawmaker has introduced legislation that would prohibit the state from restricting religious services during declared emergencies, a proposal that comes years after pandemic-era limits on gatherings sparked legal and political battles in New Jersey and nationwide.

The bill, sponsored by Assemblyman Gregory McGuckin (R-Toms River), would bar the governor from infringing on the right to assemble for worship during either a state of emergency or a public health emergency. It would also prevent officials from limiting travel to and from houses of worship or imposing civil or criminal penalties on religious institutions for holding services.

Under the measure, religious organizations would still be required to comply with broadly applicable health and safety rules, such as occupancy limits or other regulations imposed on essential businesses. However, the legislation makes clear that emergency powers could not be used to single out or effectively halt religious gatherings.

The proposal would amend New Jersey’s existing emergency management statutes governing both general emergencies and public health crises, including those invoked by the governor during events such as natural disasters or disease outbreaks.

Supporters say the bill is intended to safeguard First Amendment protections and ensure that religious practice is not curtailed in times of crisis. Similar arguments gained traction during the COVID-19 pandemic, when restrictions on indoor gatherings led to lawsuits across the country challenging limits on worship services.

The bill does not prevent the state from enforcing neutral, generally applicable rules, but it would draw a clear line against any emergency order that directly restricts religious worship or penalizes those who participate in it.