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HR 4040 102th Congress House Civil Rights and Liberties, Minority Issues Church and state Civil actions and liability Legal fees Religious liberty

Religious Freedom Act of 1991

Introduced: November 26, 1991 Introduced by: Smith, Christopher H. Republican · New Jersey See on congress.gov
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This bill died when the 102nd Congress ended
It never became law before the 102nd Congress (1991–1992) adjourned, and bills don't carry over to the next Congress. It would have to be reintroduced. You can still save it for reference, but it won't receive updates.
 Everywhere this bill has been 3 steps
Introduced
In committee
Reported out
Passed House
Passed Senate
To President
Became law
Apr 23, 1992
Referred to the Subcommittee on Civil and Constitutional Rights.
Nov 26, 1991
Referred to the House Committee on Judiciary.
Nov 26, 1991
Introduced in House
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 Plain-English summary Congressional Research Service

Religious Freedom Act of 1991 - Declares that the purposes of this Act include codifying the compelling interest test as set forth in Sherbert v. Verner and Wisconsin v. Yoder.

Prohibits the Government from burdening the practice of religion by any person, even if the burden results from a rule of general applicability, unless the burden is essential to further a compelling governmental interest and the least restrictive means.

Amends Federal law to allow the awarding of attorney's fees and other fees and expenses in actions under this Act. Applies this Act to all Federal and State law.

What's happening now April 23, 1992

Referred to the Subcommittee on Civil and Constitutional Rights.

 Bill text 1 version

Source documents hosted by congress.gov.

 Committees of jurisdiction 2
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APA
U.S. Congress. (2026). H.R. 4040: Religious Freedom Act of 1991. 102nd Congress. Open America. https://openamerica.io/bill/102-HR-4040/
MLA
"H.R. 4040: Religious Freedom Act of 1991." 102nd Congress, 2026, Open America, https://openamerica.io/bill/102-HR-4040/.
Bluebook (legal)
H.R. 4040, 102nd Cong. (2026), https://openamerica.io/bill/102-HR-4040/.
Markdown link
[H.R. 4040: Religious Freedom Act of 1991](https://openamerica.io/bill/102-HR-4040/)
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