US SB2908

Religious organizations must be considered on equal footing with secular organizations when applying for federal grants, contracts, and social services program funding at federal, state, and local levels

Federal and state agencies are prohibited from discriminating against organizations based on religious character, affiliation, or exercise when awarding financial assistance, and cannot impose requirements on religious groups that differ from those for secular organizations

Religious organizations receiving federal funds may retain religious names, symbols, art, and mission statements, hire/fire based on adherence to religious tenets, and are not required to modify programs to accommodate beneficiary objections

Beneficiaries who object to receiving services from a religious organization must be provided referrals to reasonably accessible alternative services of substantially similar value within a reasonable time period

Religious organizations may bring lawsuits and obtain attorney's fees against entities violating their rights under this act, and the law preempts any conflicting state or local laws regarding federal financial assistance to religious organizations