Creating the crime of interference with the conduct of a religious assembly, providing criminal penalties therefor and providing for a civil cause of action for damages.

SB 520 creates a new criminal offense for intentionally interfering with religious assemblies, such as using force, threats, or physical obstruction to disrupt worship at a place of worship, or damaging religious property. Offenses are classified as misdemeanors or felonies based on severity, with penalties increasing for property damage exceeding $1,000 or $25,000. Victims can file civil lawsuits to recover actual damages, punitive damages (up to three times the actual damages), attorney fees, or seek $5,000 per violation in statutory damages. The bill also authorizes the attorney general to pursue cases on behalf of victims and allows courts to impose civil penalties on offenders.