The bill known as H. R. 1954, titled the "Do No Harm Act," aims to amend the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) of 1993. The core purpose of this amendment is to prevent the RFRA from being used to bypass federal laws that are designed to protect civil rights and prevent harm to third parties. This legislation seeks to ensure that religious freedom defenses do not impede existing rights and protections, especially those related to anti-discrimination, healthcare access, child protection, and employment rights.

General Summary of the Bill

The "Do No Harm Act" clarifies that the RFRA should not override specific federal laws that protect individuals from discrimination, ensure fair compensation and benefits in the workplace, protect against child exploitation, and guarantee access to healthcare services. Importantly, it stipulates that the RFRA does not apply in cases involving government contracts and other forms of government awards, ensuring that beneficiaries of government-funded programs are not denied full and equal enjoyment of services. Furthermore, the bill seeks to limit RFRA's applicability to cases where the government is directly involved in legal proceedings.

Summary of Significant Issues

One significant issue is the potential for legal ambiguity—the broad language used in the bill, particularly regarding references to multiple federal acts and government arrangements, might result in varied interpretations. There are concerns that this might lead to inconsistent application, especially around the idea of "full and equal enjoyment" of services.

Another potential issue involves the specification that the RFRA's preclusion applies to cases where the government is a party. This raises questions about what level of government involvement qualifies a case under this legislation, potentially leaving some judicial proceedings in a gray area regarding third-party litigation, which could lead to further judicial interpretation.

Impact on the Public

For the general public, this bill aims to strengthen the protection of civil rights by ensuring that religious freedom claims do not override critical anti-discrimination laws and public service provisions. This could lead to a broader assurance of equality and non-discrimination in federal services and programs.

Positive Effects: Individuals who benefit from anti-discrimination measures, healthcare access, and fair employment practices might find reinforced protections. The bill can be seen as a protective measure for minorities and marginalized groups who rely on comprehensive federal protections.

Negative Effects: On the other hand, organizations or individuals who currently utilize RFRA to justify exemptions to participating in certain federally mandated practices may feel restricted by the amendments. Religious organizations particularly might view this as a constraint on their ability to freely exercise their beliefs in certain public spheres.

Stakeholder Impact

For Advocates of Civil Rights: This bill is likely to be seen favorably as it aligns with broader efforts to ensure equal treatment and prevent discrimination under federal law. This also upholds the integrity of various civil rights laws that have been championed by these advocates for decades.

For Religious Organizations: There could be certain concerns regarding the perceived limitations this bill introduces on the scope of religious exemptions under the RFRA. Religious entities might need to reassess how they navigate federal requirements in light of this potential restriction on religious exemptions.

In summary, the "Do No Harm Act" attempts to create a balanced environment where religious freedoms are respected without compromising essential civil rights and protections for third parties. As with any significant legislative change, its implementation may require careful consideration and monitoring to ensure that it achieves its intended objectives without unintended negative consequences.