California State Senator Ricardo Lara and other members of the California Assembly dropped the provision of California Senate Bill 1146 that would have removed the religious exemption in non-discrimination laws for faith-based schools.

The earlier version of Senate Bill 1146 would have prevented colleges that receive state funds from enforcing policies on student conduct, housing and restroom/locker facilities, and other matters of practical campus life that are informed by the institution’s religious convictions.

“This is good news for our evangelical colleges and for other religious schools in California,” said Leith Anderson, president of the National Association of Evangelicals.