U.S Code last checked for updates: Oct 10, 2024
§ 604a.
Services provided by charitable, religious, or private organizations
(a)
In general
(1)
State options
A State may—
(A)
administer and provide services under the programs described in subparagraphs (A) and (B)(i) of paragraph (2) through contracts with charitable, religious, or private organizations; and
(B)
provide beneficiaries of assistance under the programs described in subparagraphs (A) and (B)(ii) of paragraph (2) with certificates, vouchers, or other forms of disbursement which are redeemable with such organizations.
(2)
Programs described
The programs described in this paragraph are the following programs:
(A)
A State program funded under this part (as amended by section 103(a) of this Act).
(B)
Any other program established or modified under title I or II of this Act, that—
(i)
permits contracts with organizations; or
(ii)
permits certificates, vouchers, or other forms of disbursement to be provided to beneficiaries, as a means of providing assistance.
(b)
Religious organizations
(c)
Nondiscrimination against religious organizations
(d)
Religious character and freedom
(1)
Religious organizations
(2)
Additional safeguards
Neither the Federal Government nor a State shall require a religious organization to—
(A)
alter its form of internal governance; or
(B)
remove religious art, icons, scripture, or other symbols;
in order to be eligible to contract to provide assistance, or to accept certificates, vouchers, or other forms of disbursement, funded under a program described in subsection (a)(2).
(e)
Rights of beneficiaries of assistance
(1)
In general
(2)
Individual described
(f)
Employment practices
(g)
Nondiscrimination against beneficiaries
(h)
Fiscal accountability
(1)
In general
(2)
Limited audit
(i)
Compliance
(j)
Limitations on use of funds for certain purposes
(k)
Preemption
(Pub. L. 104–193, title I, § 104, Aug. 22, 1996, 110 Stat. 2161.)
cite as: 42 USC 604a