Ways and Means Committee, Oversight and Government Reform Committee
Introduced
In Committee
On Floor
Passed Chamber
Enacted
This legislation amends the Internal Revenue Code to ensure that an organization's religious beliefs or practices concerning marriage, sexuality, or gender identity do not affect its tax-exempt status, even if those beliefs are inconsistent with public policy. It clarifies that a belief qualifies as religious for these purposes regardless of whether it is central to a system of religion. The bill further prohibits federal agencies from discriminating against religious employers that receive Federal financial assistance . Specifically, federal entities cannot disadvantage religious corporations, associations, or educational institutions for employment actions consistent with their right to hire individuals who share their religious beliefs and comply with their religious standards. This protection aligns with existing exemptions and defenses found in laws such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, aiming to safeguard religious organizations' operational autonomy when engaging with federal programs.
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Timeline
Introduced in House
Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Introduced in House
Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Civil Rights and Liberties, Minority Issues
Fair Treatment of Religious Organizations Act of 2026
USA119th CongressHR-8117| House
| Updated: 3/26/2026
This legislation amends the Internal Revenue Code to ensure that an organization's religious beliefs or practices concerning marriage, sexuality, or gender identity do not affect its tax-exempt status, even if those beliefs are inconsistent with public policy. It clarifies that a belief qualifies as religious for these purposes regardless of whether it is central to a system of religion. The bill further prohibits federal agencies from discriminating against religious employers that receive Federal financial assistance . Specifically, federal entities cannot disadvantage religious corporations, associations, or educational institutions for employment actions consistent with their right to hire individuals who share their religious beliefs and comply with their religious standards. This protection aligns with existing exemptions and defenses found in laws such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, aiming to safeguard religious organizations' operational autonomy when engaging with federal programs.
Get AI-generated questions to help you understand this bill better
Timeline
Introduced in House
Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Introduced in House
Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.