S. 2908: Lifting Local Communities Act

This bill, titled the Lifting Local Communities Act, aims to ensure that religious organizations can participate equally in federal social services programs. It outlines several key purposes, which are as follows:

Purposes of the Act

• To enhance the support provided to individuals and families in need.
• To prohibit discrimination against religious organizations in receiving and managing federal financial assistance, including through social service programs.
• To ensure religious organizations can compete fairly for federal funding alongside non-religious organizations.
• To protect the ability of religious organizations to operate according to their beliefs while receiving federal assistance.
• To strengthen the capacity of social services in the U.S. by allowing more religious organizations to provide these services.
• To empower individuals to choose services from religious organizations funded by the federal government.

Equal Treatment in Federal Programs

The bill specifies parameters for how religious organizations should be treated in the federal provision of social services:

• Federal, state, or local governments must consider religious organizations equally when awarding financial assistance for social services.
• Religious organizations will be eligible to apply for and receive federal funding under the same conditions as non-religious organizations.
• Selection processes must not discriminate based on the organization’s religious character or beliefs.

Regulations and Restrictions

The legislation includes provisions that maintain a level playing field:

• No additional assurances or notices will be required from religious organizations that differ from those required of non-religious organizations.
• Any financial restrictions must apply equally to religious and non-religious organizations.
• All organizations receiving federal funding must comply with program requirements and regulations.
• Religious organizations cannot be disqualified from applying for funds simply because of their religious beliefs or practices.

Maintaining Autonomy and Religious Freedom

Religious organizations that receive federal funding will retain certain rights:

• They will maintain their independence from government control and keep authority over their internal governance.
• They can use religious terms in their names, continue their religious missions, and maintain religious symbols in their facilities.
• They have the right to select or dismiss governing body members based on religious beliefs.

Beneficiary Rights

The bill also includes protections for individuals benefiting from these programs:

• Organizations cannot discriminate against program beneficiaries based on their religious beliefs or lack thereof.
• If a beneficiary objects to a religious organization's character, they must be provided with a referral to alternative services that offer similar help.

Legal Protections and Enforcement

The act lays out provisions for enforcing religious organizations' rights under this legislation:

• Religious organizations may take legal action if they believe their rights have been violated.

Preemption of State and Local Laws

This bill ensures that no state or local laws can impose restrictions that would contradict the provisions outlined in the act regarding federal financial assistance for social service programs.

Definitions and Miscellaneous Provisions

The legislation defines various terms, including:

• Federal financial assistance: Any government funding received through grants, contracts, or other types of support, but not including tax credits or deductions.
• Social services program: Programs aimed at reducing poverty and improving opportunities for low-income individuals, including various forms of personal and community support.

Relevant Companies

None found.