Lifting Local Communities Act

3/11/2024, 7:00 PM

Lifting Local Communities Act

This bill specifies that government entities may not discriminate against religious organizations when awarding federal funds for social services programs (i.e., government programs that provide services for low-income individuals and communities, such as child care, transportation, employment, housing, and meal services).

Specifically, religious organizations are eligible to apply for and receive federal funds to provide services for social services programs on the same basis as private, nonreligious organizations. Additionally, government entities may not discriminate against private organizations on the basis of religion when selecting funding recipients.

Organizations that receive federal funds for social services programs may not discriminate against individuals on the basis of religion when providing services. If an individual objects to the character or affiliation of a private organization that is providing a service as part of a social services program, government entities must provide the individual with reasonable alternatives.

Religious organizations may bring civil actions against entities for violations.

Congress
118

Number
S - 75

Introduced on
2023-01-25

# Amendments
0

Sponsors
+5

Cosponsors
+5

Variations and Revisions

1/25/2023

Status of Legislation

Bill Introduced
Introduced to House
House to Vote
Introduced to Senate
Senate to Vote

Purpose and Summary

Lifting Local Communities Act

This bill specifies that government entities may not discriminate against religious organizations when awarding federal funds for social services programs (i.e., government programs that provide services for low-income individuals and communities, such as child care, transportation, employment, housing, and meal services).

Specifically, religious organizations are eligible to apply for and receive federal funds to provide services for social services programs on the same basis as private, nonreligious organizations. Additionally, government entities may not discriminate against private organizations on the basis of religion when selecting funding recipients.

Organizations that receive federal funds for social services programs may not discriminate against individuals on the basis of religion when providing services. If an individual objects to the character or affiliation of a private organization that is providing a service as part of a social services program, government entities must provide the individual with reasonable alternatives.

Religious organizations may bring civil actions against entities for violations.

Alternative Names
Official Title as IntroducedA bill to ensure equal treatment for religious organizations in the Federal provision of social services programs, grantmaking, and contracting, and for other purposes.

Policy Areas
Civil Rights and Liberties, Minority Issues

Potential Impact
Accounting and auditing
Civil actions and liability
Federal preemption
First Amendment rights
Religion
Social work, volunteer service, charitable organizations

Comments

Recent Activity

Latest Summary5/25/2023

Lifting Local Communities Act

This bill specifies that government entities may not discriminate against religious organizations when awarding federal funds for social services programs (i.e., government programs that provide service...


Latest Action1/25/2023
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.