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119-hr-5505119th CongressWALLET

Equal Campus Access Act of 2026

Sponsored By: Representative Walberg, Tim [R-MI-5]

In Committee

Summary

Equal access for religious student organizations. This bill would require public colleges and universities that receive Higher Education Act funds to treat religious student groups the same as other student groups on campus.

Show full summary
  • Religious student organizations: Would be entitled to the same rights, benefits, and privileges as other student organizations, including full access to campus facilities and official recognition, even when those rights stem from the group's religious beliefs, practices, speech, leadership standards, or standards of conduct.
  • Public institutions of higher education: Could lose funds made available under the Higher Education Act if they deny those rights to a religious student organization.
  • Scope and enforcement: The rule applies to public institutions that receive HEA funding and uses the funding condition as its enforcement tool. The text does not specify any exceptions, phase-in, sunset, or penalties beyond withholding funds.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

Religious student groups' campus access

If enacted, this bill would bar public colleges and universities that get money under the Higher Education Act from denying religious student groups rights that other student groups have. Rights include full access to campus facilities and official recognition. The ban would apply when denial is because of the group's religious beliefs, practices, speech, leadership standards, or standards of conduct. The bill would let the federal government withhold HEA funds from institutions that violate this rule.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Walberg, Tim [R-MI-5]

MI • R

Cosponsors

  • Rep. Weber, Randy K. Sr. [R-TX-14]

    TX • R

    Sponsored 9/18/2025

  • Rep. Miller, Mary E. [R-IL-15]

    IL • R

    Sponsored 9/18/2025

  • Rep. Hageman, Harriet M. [R-WY-At Large]

    WY • R

    Sponsored 9/18/2025

  • Rep. Moran, Nathaniel [R-TX-1]

    TX • R

    Sponsored 9/18/2025

  • Rep. Aderholt, Robert B. [R-AL-4]

    AL • R

    Sponsored 9/18/2025

  • Rep. Onder, Robert F. [R-MO-3]

    MO • R

    Sponsored 9/18/2025

  • Rep. Letlow, Julia [R-LA-5]

    LA • R

    Sponsored 10/14/2025

  • Rep. Harris, Mark [R-NC-8]

    NC • R

    Sponsored 10/14/2025

  • Rep. Messmer, Mark B. [R-IN-8]

    IN • R

    Sponsored 11/12/2025

  • Rep. Houchin, Erin [R-IN-9]

    IN • R

    Sponsored 6/22/2026

  • Rep. Huizenga, Bill [R-MI-4]

    MI • R

    Sponsored 6/24/2026

  • Rep. Fleischmann, Charles J. "Chuck" [R-TN-3]

    TN • R

    Sponsored 7/30/2026

  • Rep. Bost, Mike [R-IL-12]

    IL • R

    Sponsored 8/31/2026

  • Rep. Clyde, Andrew S. [R-GA-9]

    GA • R

    Sponsored 9/2/2026

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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