FAITH Act
H.R. 8353119th Congress

FAITH Act

Introduced in the HouseRep. Keith Self (R-TX-3)10 sections · 1 min read
Version: Introduced in House · Apr 16, 2026

Section 1. Short title

This Act may be cited as the Freedom Against Imposed Theology Harms Act or the FAITH Act.

(a) In general

Chapter 13 of title 18, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:

(a) Offense

Whoever knowingly imposes, assesses, collects, or attempts to impose, assess, or collect any fee, fine, surcharge, penalty, or other financial obligation from any person based on that person’s participation or membership in, or refusal to participate in or become a member of, any religious theology, denomination, or organization shall—

(1) in the case that the fee, fine, surcharge, penalty or other financial obligation does not exceed $1,000, shall be fined under this title, imprisoned not more than 1 year, or both; or

(2) in any other case, shall be fined under this title, imprisoned not more than 3 years, or both.

(b) Prohibiting denial of goods and services

Whoever knowingly denies goods, services, access, or opportunities to a person on the basis of nonpayment of any fee prohibited under subsection (a) shall be fined under this title, imprisoned not more than 1 year, or both.

(c) Rule of construction

Nothing in this section shall be construed to restrict the ability of religious organizations and educational institutions to request or receive voluntary contributions from their members for internal purposes.

(b) Clerical amendment

The table of sections for chapter 13 of title 18, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:

Section 3. RICO offense

Section 1961(1) of title 18, United States Code, is amended by inserting section 251 (relating to the prohibition on fees tied to religious participation), after section 224 (relating to sports bribery),.

Section 4. Effective date

This Act and the amendments made by this Act shall take effect 30 days after the date of enactment of this Act.

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