Lifting Local Communities Act
Sponsored By: Senator Sen. Scott, Rick [R-FL]
Introduced
Summary
Equal treatment for religious organizations in federally funded social services. This bill would require federal, state, and pass-through entities to consider faith-based groups on the same terms as other private organizations when awarding federal financial assistance and to protect their religious character and autonomy.
Show full summary
- Religious organizations: They could apply for and receive federal financial assistance on the same basis as nonreligious groups. They may keep religious names and symbols, hire and govern by their religious tenets, and continue their religious mission while running federally funded programs.
- Families and covered beneficiaries: People in need would have expanded access to faith-based providers as options. If a beneficiary objects to a provider’s religious character or affiliation, the government must provide a referral to an alternative service within a reasonable period and of substantially similar value.
- State, local, and pass-through entities: Awarding entities must not impose extra assurances, notices, or selection rules on religious groups that are not required of nonreligious groups. States and localities may not enforce laws that conflict with these protections and audits of federal funds may be limited to segregated federal accounts.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.
Federal preemption of state rules
If enacted, this section would override earlier federal laws and policies that conflict with it. States and localities could not enforce rules covered by this section for federally funded programs. Later federal laws could only limit this section if they specifically name it.
More access for faith-based providers
If enacted, religious groups would be able to apply for federal social service funding like other private groups. Awarding agencies and pass-through entities could not disqualify a group because of its religion. Funded religious groups could keep religious names, symbols, and hire people who follow their faith. They could keep federal funds in separate accounts that would be audited for those funds. All groups would still have to follow the program's rules for eligible activities.
Protections and referrals for service users
If enacted, organizations getting federal social service money could not deny or treat you worse because of religion. If you object to a provider's religious character and are eligible, the government must give a referral. The referral must point to a nearby, substantially similar service within a reasonable time. A funded group could still refuse to change program components to suit your objections.
Religious groups can sue to enforce
If enacted, a religious organization could sue if its rights under this section are violated. Courts could grant relief and award attorney's fees to a winning organization.
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Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Sen. Scott, Rick [R-FL]
FL • R
Cosponsors
Sen. Lankford, James [R-OK]
OK • R
Sponsored 9/18/2025
Sen. Scott, Tim [R-SC]
SC • R
Sponsored 9/18/2025
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
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