KRS 12.505: Legislative findings for KRS 12.500 to 12.520.

The General Assembly finds and declares that:

(1) Faith-based and community nonprofit organizations are indispensable in meeting

the needs of our poor and disadvantaged citizens, and by embracing and partnering

with these organizations, the capacity of gov ernment to respond to its citizens is

strengthened;

(2) Faith-based and community nonprofit organizations should have full opportunity to

participate in federal and state government funding for services directed at reducing

poverty, improving the lives of low-income and vulnerable adults and children, self-

sufficiency, and rehabilitation;

(3) It is necessary to ensure that:

(a) The rights and protections granted by the United States Constitution, the

Constitution of Kentucky, and all amendments thereto are respected and

preserved by all entities that receive government funding;

(b) Faith-based and community nonprofit organizations have equal opportunity to

seek government funding for social service programs and that these social

service programs remain separ ate from other inherently religious activities,

including but not limited to worship, religious instruction, and proselytization;

(c) Faith-based and community nonprofit organizations do not discriminate

against beneficiaries or potential beneficiaries of government-funded social

service programs on any basis prohibited by law, including but not limited to

discrimination based on religion, religious practices, or beliefs; and

(d) Faith-based and community nonprofit organizations have the capacity to

effectively and efficiently manage government funds for social service

programs, to perform program and service evaluations, and to report outcomes

similar to any entity that receives government funding; and

(4) Communication, coordination, and technical assistan ce at the highest level of state

government is needed to enhance the opportunities for faith -based and community

nonprofit organizations to provide needed social services to our citizens.