Bills · S 2859
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
Senate BillS 2859ReligionEducation programs funding
Equal Campus Access Act of 2025
INTRO SEP 18· LAST ACTION MAR 19
READING
2MIN
COSPONSORS
30
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
- Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed Senate
Passed House
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-writtenThis bill matters to voters because it addresses the issue of religious freedom and equal treatment on college campuses, which is a frequently debated topic. If this bill becomes law, religious student groups at public universities will be explicitly protected from discrimination based on their beliefs or practices, ensuring they have the same opportunities as secular student groups.
Without this bill, some public colleges might continue to deny religious groups certain privileges, such as official recognition or access to facilities, if those groups' internal policies (like requiring leaders to adhere to specific religious tenets) are perceived to conflict with broader campus non-discrimination rules. The bill aims to resolve such conflicts by making it clear that colleges risk losing federal funding if they don't accommodate religious groups' standards. This could impact how colleges manage student life, potentially leading to adjustments in campus policies to comply with federal funding requirements.
KEY PROVISIONS
4AI-extractedPROVISION 01
Public colleges and universities that receive federal funds cannot deny religious student organizations any right, benefit, or privilege afforded to other student groups.
This provision ensures that religious student groups are treated equally on campus, granting them access to resources and opportunities available to other student organizations.
PROVISION 02
This equal treatment specifically includes full access to campus facilities and official recognition by the institution.
These examples clarify the practical implications of the bill, addressing common areas where religious groups might face challenges.
PROVISION 03
Colleges cannot deny these rights or benefits to religious student groups because of their religious beliefs, practices, speech, leadership standards, or standards of conduct.
This protects religious groups' ability to operate according to their faith without fear of losing campus access or recognition.
PROVISION 04
Any public institution that violates these conditions will not receive funds made available under the Higher Education Act of 1965.
This creates a strong financial incentive for public colleges to comply with the bill's requirements regarding religious student groups.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 30
R· Oklahoma
YRS IN OFFICE
15
BILLS LED
78
COSPONSOR BREAKDOWNBIPARTISAN · 0%
DEM 0 REP 30 IND 0
ACTION TIMELINE
3 EVENTSMAR 19
Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. Hearings held.
SEP 18
Introduced in Senate
SEP 18
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. (Sponsor introductory remarks on measure: CR S6732-6734)
BILL INFO
TypeSenate Bill
NumberS 2859
Congress119th
StatusIn Committee
IntroducedSep 18, 2025
Last actionMar 19, 2026
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IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS · HEALTH, EDUCATION, LABOR, AND PENSIONS COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED SEP 18, 2025
Senate BillS 2859ReligionEducation programs funding
Equal Campus Access Act of 2025
INTRODUCED SEP 18, 2025· LAST ACTION MAR 19, 2026
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
2 min
COSPONSORS
30
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
