Bill · S. 5255· Senate(119-S-5255)
Military Chaplains Modernization Act of 2026
- Introduced
- 8/5/2026
- Last activity
- 8/5/2026 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services.
- Sponsored by
- James Lankford
- Cosponsors
- - 5 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The Military Chaplains Modernization Act of 2026 defines the purpose, duties, and professional requirements for chaplains in the Army, Navy, and Air Force. It establishes specific advisory roles for Chief and Deputy Chaplains within these branches. The bill mandates that chaplains provide spiritual care and advise commanders on religious freedom and accommodations. It provides legal protections for chaplains to act according to their sincerely held religious beliefs without fear of censorship or retribution. Additionally, it prohibits forcing chaplains to perform duties contrary to their faith and allows for prosecution of those who violate these protections.
Yes· 3 of 6
Does this protect the freedom to practise a religion?+8
Strongly protects the religious exercise and beliefs of chaplains and service members.
Does this protect people from being watched or searched?+6
Codifies the privilege and confidentiality of communications with chaplains.
Does this protect the individual right to speak freely?+4
Protects religious expression from censorship for military chaplains.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Support for Service Members and Families: The bill requires chaplains to meet the religious requirements and care for the spiritual needs of members of the Armed Forces, their dependents, and other authorized persons, even in combat environments (Section 3(a)(2)(B), Section 4(a)(2)(B), and Section 5(a)(2)(B)).
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Protection of Religious Freedom: Chaplains are tasked with advising and assisting commanders to ensure the free exercise of religion in military service (Section 3(a)(2)(A)(i), Section 4(a)(2)(A)(i), and Section 5(a)(2)(A)(i)).
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Privacy of Spiritual Counsel: The bill requires chaplains to maintain confidential, sacramental, and privileged communications when acting as spiritual advisors (Section 3(a)(2)(E), Section 4(a)(2)(E), and Section 5(a)(2)(E)).
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Safeguards for Chaplains: It protects chaplains from being forced to perform rituals or tasks contrary to their sincerely held religious beliefs and prohibits retaliation or adverse personnel actions for refusing such assignments (Section 3(b)(4), Section 4(b)(4), and Section 5(b)(4)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Criminal Penalties for Military Personnel: Members of the Armed Forces who violate the protections afforded to chaplains, such as assigning them tasks contrary to their beliefs, are subject to prosecution under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (Section 3(b)(5), Section 4(b)(5), and Section 5(b)(5)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Privacy Rights+6Improves Freedom Of Speech+4Increases Federal Power+2
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Religious Freedom+8Improves Freedom Of Speech+4
- Healthcare
- Improves Mental Health Access+2
- 9/14/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 8/5/2026
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services.
- 4 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in Senate
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Marsha BlackburnRepublican · Tennessee
Katie BrittRepublican · Alabama
Kevin CramerRepublican · North Dakota
Chuck GrassleyRepublican · Iowa
Mike RoundsRepublican · South Dakota