This bill establishes a new federal prohibition on knowingly imposing or collecting fees, fines, or other financial obligations based on an individual's religious participation or refusal to participate. It makes it an offense to impose such financial burdens or to attempt their collection, with penalties including fines and imprisonment ranging from one to three years depending on the amount. The legislation also prohibits denying goods, services, access, or opportunities to individuals for non-payment of these prohibited fees, carrying similar penalties. Crucially, it clarifies that this prohibition does not restrict religious organizations from requesting or receiving voluntary contributions from their members for internal purposes. The act further amends the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) statute to include violations as a predicate offense, with its provisions taking effect 30 days after enactment.
This bill establishes a new federal prohibition on knowingly imposing or collecting fees, fines, or other financial obligations based on an individual's religious participation or refusal to participate. It makes it an offense to impose such financial burdens or to attempt their collection, with penalties including fines and imprisonment ranging from one to three years depending on the amount. The legislation also prohibits denying goods, services, access, or opportunities to individuals for non-payment of these prohibited fees, carrying similar penalties. Crucially, it clarifies that this prohibition does not restrict religious organizations from requesting or receiving voluntary contributions from their members for internal purposes. The act further amends the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) statute to include violations as a predicate offense, with its provisions taking effect 30 days after enactment.