S 3344 United States Senate · 118th Congress

Child Welfare Provider Inclusion Act of 2023

This bill prohibits state and federal governments from denying contracts, funding, or licenses to child welfare service providers (including religious organizations and individuals) who decline to provide services conflicting with their sincerely held religious beliefs or moral convictions. It specifically protects providers from adverse actions like refusing to renew contracts or canceling funding when their religious objections prevent them from offering certain services, such as foster care placements or adoption assistance. The law allows affected providers to sue for violations and requires states that violate the law to forfeit 15% of their federal child welfare funding. It applies to all federally funded child welfare services under Title IV of the Social Security Act, covering services like foster care, adoption support, and family preservation.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Nov 2023
Committee Review
Floor Vote
President
Introduced Nov 27, 2023 Last action Nov 27, 2023