Lifting Local Communities Act

This bill would require federal, state, and local agencies that hand out federal money for social services to consider religious organizations on the same basis as nonreligious groups. Religious groups receiving these funds could keep religious symbols in their facilities, keep religious terms in their names, and hire or fire employees based on adherence to their religious beliefs. Groups receiving funds could not discriminate against people seeking services based on religion, and people who object to a religious provider must be referred to alternative services. Religious groups could keep federal funds in separate accounts so that only those accounts are subject to federal audit, and could sue if they believe their rights under the law were violated. The bill would also block state and local laws covered by its provisions for this federal assistance.

Full text and official record on Congress.gov

Sponsors

• Rick Scott Republican sponsor
• 2 cosponsors