US Federal 2023-2024 Regular Session

US Federal House Bill HB1816

Introduced
3/27/23  

Caption

Equal Campus Access Act of 2023

Impact

If enacted, this bill would restrict federal funding for public colleges and universities that do not comply with the requirement to recognize and support religious student organizations. The implications of this legislation may lead to increased legal scrutiny of campus policies regarding student organizations and could require universities to reevaluate their recognition processes. This could potentially foster a more inclusive environment for religious groups on campuses but might create friction with existing non-discrimination policies that some institutions have in place.

Summary

House Bill 1816, known as the Equal Campus Access Act of 2023, aims to amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 by ensuring that public institutions of higher education grant religious student organizations the same rights, benefits, and privileges as other student organizations. This amendment is intended to enhance access to campus resources and recognition for these religious groups, asserting that public funds should not support institutions that deny these rights based on religious beliefs or practices.

Contention

The bill has sparked discussions about the balance between religious freedoms and the rights of student organizations that may hold contrasting views. Critics argue that this legislation could undermine the inclusive values that many public universities uphold, potentially marginalizing groups that advocate for different ideologies or identities. Supporters, however, believe this bill is essential to protect the rights of religious groups to have equal access and acknowledgment, thus advocating for a more equitable landscape within public higher education.

Companion Bills

US SB985

Same As Equal Campus Access Act of 2023

Previously Filed As

US HB5505

Equal Campus Access Act of 2025

US SB2859

Equal Campus Access Act of 2025

US HB8499

Saving Lives on Campuses Act of 2026

US HB102

Space Research Innovation Act This bill directs the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to establish a university-affiliated research center to fund analyses and engineering support related to cis-lunar and deep-space missions and interplanetary research. Entities eligible to participate in the center include institutions of higher education, operators of federally funded research and development centers, and nonprofit research institutions.

US HB240

National Jazz Preservation, Education, and Promulgation Act of 2023 This bill establishes a National Jazz Preservation Program and a National Jazz Appreciation Program, to be carried out by the Smithsonian Institution through the National Museum of American History, to (1) preserve knowledge and promote education about jazz, and (2) further the appreciation of jazz music throughout the nation. The Smithsonian Institution shall (1) record interviews with leading jazz artists; (2) acquire, preserve, and interpret jazz artifacts; (3) continue to recognize Jazz Appreciation Month; (4) establish collaborative agreements for the sharing of such artifacts; and (5) encourage, consult with, and engage in capacity building with community-based and regional organizations with the potential to establish jazz archival collections. The bill amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to allow the use of certain funds for programs to promote jazz education, which may include (1) a Jazz Artists in the Schools program, (2) a program for the development and distribution of educational materials about jazz and teacher training on jazz education, and (3) an Ambassadors of Jazz program. The Smithsonian Institution shall establish a series of jazz performances at Smithsonian affiliates that provides broad geographic access to jazz and supports public appreciation for the diversity of jazz music.

US HB2446

Stop Antisemitism on College Campuses Act

US HB230

This bill directs the Speaker of the House and the President pro tempore of the Senate to arrange for the posthumous award of a Congressional Gold Medal to President Lyndon B. Johnson in recognition of his contributions to the nation. The bill requires such medal to be given to the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum following its award, where it will be available for display and research.

US HR7

Recognizing the importance of access to comprehensive, high-quality, life-affirming medical care for women of all ages.

US HB139

Stopping Home Office Work's Unproductive Problems Act of 2023 or the SHOW UP Act of 2023 This bill requires each executive agency to reinstate the telework policies that were in place on December 31, 2019. Agencies may not implement expanded telework policies unless the Office of Personnel Management certifies that such policies, among other requirements, will have a positive effect on the agency's mission and operational costs.

US HB74

This bill prohibits the use of federal funds to implement or enforce mandates that require individuals to wear face coverings or receive vaccinations to prevent the spread of COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019). The bill provides for an exception that applies in health care settings.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.