Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress Senate Bill SB4629

Introduced
6/20/24  

Caption

John Lewis Every Child Deserves a Family Act

Impact

The legislation recognizes the pressing need to support vulnerable populations within the foster care system, as LGBTQ youth are significantly overrepresented. According to the findings, LGBTQ youth often face discrimination and are more susceptible to adverse outcomes when placed in congregate care settings. The bill therefore mandates enhanced training, cultural competency, and data collection efforts within child welfare agencies to ensure compliance with these non-discriminatory principles, thereby reshaping how services are delivered to align with inclusive practices.

Summary

SB4629, known as the John Lewis Every Child Deserves a Family Act, seeks to prohibit discrimination in the administration and provision of child welfare services based on religion, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), and marital status. The bill aims to improve the safety, well-being, and permanency for children and youth involved in the child welfare system, especially those identifying as LGBTQ. By eliminating discriminatory practices, it aims to enhance the number and diversity of foster and adoptive homes available for children removed from their original families due to various reasons.

Contention

Despite its intended benefits, SB4629 has generated discussions around potential opposition, particularly regarding the implications for religious organizations involved in providing child welfare services. Some critics may argue that the bill confronts their ability to operate according to their beliefs. This contention suggests a complex relationship between ensuring non-discrimination and respecting religious freedoms. Overall, the bill aims to make significant strides in creating a more equitable environment for all children in the foster care system.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

US SB3949

Pride In Mental Health Act of 2024

US SR749

A resolution recognizing June 2024, as "LGBTQ Pride Month".

US SB1503

Equality Act

US SR312

A resolution recognizing June 2025, as "LGBTQ Pride Month".

US AB2663

Youth Acceptance Project.

US HB3850

Pride In Mental Health Act of 2023

US SB5

Equality Act This bill prohibits discrimination based on sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity with respect to businesses, employment, housing, federally funded programs, and other settings. Specifically, the bill expands Title II and Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to prohibit public accommodations and federally funded programs, respectively, from discriminating based on sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity. It also includes stores, transit services, recreational facilities, and establishments that provide health care, accounting, or legal services as public accommodations under Title II. The bill also expands Title IV (desegregation of public schools) and Title VII (employment discrimination) to specifically include sexual orientation and gender identity. (The Supreme Court held in Bostock v. Clayton County that Title VII's prohibition of employment discrimination based on sex also prohibits employment discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.) The bill similarly expands the Fair Housing Act (discrimination in public and private housing) to include sexual orientation and gender identity. It also prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity by creditors and with respect to jury selection. The bill defines sex for purposes of the aforementioned provisions to include sex stereotypes, pregnancy, childbirth, sexual orientation, gender identity, and sex characteristics.

US HB9076

Supporting America’s Children and Families Act

US HB15

Equality Act This bill prohibits discrimination based on sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity with respect to businesses, employment, housing, federally funded programs, and other settings. Specifically, the bill expands Title II and Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to prohibit public accommodations and federally funded programs, respectively, from discriminating based on sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity. It also includes stores, transit services, recreational facilities, and establishments that provide health care, accounting, or legal services as public accommodations under Title II. The bill also expands Title IV (desegregation of public schools) and Title VII (employment discrimination) to specifically include sexual orientation and gender identity. (The Supreme Court held in Bostock v. Clayton County that Title VII's prohibition of employment discrimination based on sex also prohibits employment discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.) The bill similarly expands the Fair Housing Act (discrimination in public and private housing) to include sexual orientation and gender identity. It also prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity by creditors and with respect to jury selection. The bill defines sex for purposes of the aforementioned provisions to include sex stereotypes, pregnancy, childbirth, sexual orientation, gender identity, and sex characteristics.

US HB15

Equality Act

Similar Bills

US SB1503

Equality Act

US HB8502

Children’s Safe Welcome Act of 2024

US SB4393

Children’s Safe Welcome Act of 2024

US HB7354

Protect Black Women and Girls Act

US HB8723

Head Start Improvement Act

US SR589

A resolution honoring Wadee Alfayoumi, a 6-year-old Palestinian-American boy, murdered as a victim of a hate crime for his Palestinian-Muslim identity, in the State of Illinois.

US HCR99

Honoring Wadee Alfayoumi, a 6-year-old Palestinian-American boy, murdered as a victim of a hate crime for his Palestinian-Muslim identity, in the State of Illinois.

US HB8536

PROKID Act Protection of Kids in Immigrant Detention Act