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Bill

Bill

S 491

Foreign Assistance Accountability and Oversight Act

119th Congress Introduced by Michael Bennet and 20 co-sponsors

Bill S 491 protects individuals from discrimination based on religious attire and facial hair, promoting inclusivity in workplaces and public spaces.

Introduced in Senate
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · S 491

Summary of Bill S 491

Bill Overview

  • Bill Number: S 491
  • Title: Relates to including the basis of religious attire and facial hair in the definition of unlawful discriminatory practice
  • Status: Referred to Governmental Operations
  • Introduced: January 08, 2025
  • Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

Bill S 491 aims to amend existing laws regarding unlawful discriminatory practices by explicitly including religious attire and facial hair as protected categories. The intent of this legislation is to enhance protections for individuals who wear religious garments or maintain facial hair for religious reasons, ensuring they are not subjected to discrimination in various settings, including employment and public accommodations.

Key Provisions

  • Inclusion of Religious Attire and Facial Hair: The bill seeks to expand the definition of unlawful discriminatory practices to explicitly mention discrimination based on religious attire and facial hair.
  • Protection Scope: This change would provide legal recourse for individuals who face discrimination due to their religious expressions, thereby promoting inclusivity and respect for diverse religious practices.

Affected Parties

  • Individuals: The primary beneficiaries of this bill are individuals who wear religious attire (such as turbans, hijabs, or yarmulkes) or maintain facial hair (such as beards) as part of their religious beliefs.
  • Employers and Service Providers: Organizations, businesses, and public entities will need to ensure compliance with the new provisions to avoid potential legal challenges related to discriminatory practices.

Legislative Timeline

  • January 08, 2025: Bill introduced and referred to Investigations and Government Operations.
  • April 07, 2025: First report calendar.
  • April 08, 2025: Second report calendar.
  • April 09, 2025: Advanced to third reading.
  • April 24, 2025: Bill passed in the Senate and delivered to the Assembly.
  • April 24, 2025: Referred to Governmental Operations in the Assembly.

Related Legislation

  • S 7004: Prior session bill addressing similar issues.
  • S 980: Another related bill from a prior session.
  • S 4407: Previous legislation with overlapping themes.
  • A 3248: Companion bill in the Assembly that may address similar concerns.

Conclusion

Bill S 491 represents a significant step towards enhancing protections against discrimination based on religious practices. By explicitly including religious attire and facial hair in the definition of unlawful discriminatory practices, the bill aims to foster a more inclusive environment for individuals expressing their faith. As the bill progresses through the legislative process, its implications for both individuals and organizations will become clearer.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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