Section 1–Title: This Act shall be known as the Protecting America's Houses of Worship Act.
Section 2–House of Worship Security Grants: The Secretary of Homeland Security shall provide grants to eligible houses of worship and religious nonprofit organizations for measures as stated below to protect congregants, employees, volunteers, and facilities against violence, threats, vandalism, terrorism, or other targeted attacks.
Grant funds may be used for security cameras; lighting; alarms; reinforced doors, windows, and entrances; access control systems; emergency communications equipment; cybersecurity improvements; security planning and training; and other physical or technological security improvements approved by the Secretary.
The Secretary shall maintain a simplified application process for houses of worship and religious organizations with fewer than 100 employees or without dedicated security personnel.
Section 3–Local Security and Emergency Preparedness: Grant recipients may use funds provided under this Act to develop emergency preparedness plans and conduct security training in coordination with State and local law-enforcement agencies, fire departments, emergency medical services, or other appropriate public-safety agencies.
Nothing in this section shall require a house of worship to employ armed security personnel or participate in any Federal security program as a condition of receiving assistance.
Section 4–Protection of Religious Liberty: No Federal department or agency may condition assistance under this Act upon the religious beliefs, denomination, doctrine, worship practices, political activity, or internal governance of an otherwise eligible religious organization.
Federal funds provided under this Act may not be used to regulate religious instruction, worship, doctrine, employment practices, membership, or other internal religious activities.
Participation in any program established under this Act shall be voluntary.
Nothing in this Act shall authorize the Federal Government to monitor religious services, sermons, religious instruction, membership, or lawful religious activity.
Section 5–Priority for Institutions Facing Credible Threats: In awarding grants under this Act, the Secretary of Homeland Security shall give priority to applicants demonstrating a credible threat, documented history of threats or attacks, particular vulnerability to targeted violence, or an immediate security deficiency that places congregants or employees at substantial risk.
Section 6–Appropriations: There is authorized to be appropriated $150,000,000 for each of the next five fiscal years to carry out this Act.
Amounts appropriated under this section shall remain available until expended.
