Title 42, The Public Health and WelfareRelease 119-73not60

§2000bb–2 Definitions

Title 42 › Chapter 21B— RELIGIOUS FREEDOM RESTORATION › § 2000bb–2

Last updated Apr 5, 2026|Official source

Summary

Defines four key words used in the chapter. Government means branches, departments, agencies, government organizations, officials, or other people acting with government power of the United States or of a covered entity. Covered entity means the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and every U.S. territory and possession. Demonstrates means both producing evidence and convincing the decision-maker. Exercise of religion means the term “religious exercise” as defined elsewhere in the law.

Full Legal Text

Title 42, §2000bb–2

The Public Health and Welfare, Source: USLM XML via OLRC

As used in this chapter—
(1)the term “government” includes a branch, department, agency, instrumentality, and official (or other person acting under color of law) of the United States, or of a covered entity;
(2)the term “covered entity” means the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and each territory and possession of the United States;
(3)the term “demonstrates” means meets the burdens of going forward with the evidence and of persuasion; and
(4)the term “exercise of religion” means religious exercise, as defined in section 2000cc–5 of this title.

Legislative History

Notes & Related Subsidiaries

Editorial Notes

References in Text

This chapter, referred to in text, was in the original “this Act”, meaning Pub. L. 103–141, Nov. 16, 1993, 107 Stat. 1488, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see

Short Title

note set out under section 2000bb of this title and Tables.

Amendments

2000—Par. (1). Pub. L. 106–274, § 7(a)(1), substituted “or of a covered entity” for “a State, or a subdivision of a State”. Par. (2). Pub. L. 106–274, § 7(a)(2), substituted “term ‘covered entity’ means” for “term ‘State’ includes”. Par. (4). Pub. L. 106–274, § 7(a)(3), substituted “religious exercise, as defined in section 2000cc–5 of this title” for “the exercise of religion under the First Amendment to the Constitution”.

Reference

Citations & Metadata

Citation

42 U.S.C. § 2000bb–2

Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare

Last Updated

Apr 5, 2026

Release point: 119-73not60