Pray Safe Act of 2025
Summary
The Pray Safe Act of 2025 aims to establish a Federal Clearinghouse within the Department of Homeland Security. This clearinghouse will serve as a central resource for safety and security best practices for nonprofit organizations, faith-based organizations, and houses of worship. It will also provide information on federal grant programs available to these organizations.
Expected Effects
The act will likely lead to increased awareness and implementation of security measures within vulnerable community organizations. It could also streamline the grant application process for these organizations. The act is set to expire four years after enactment, requiring future reauthorization to continue its function.
Potential Benefits
- Enhanced safety and security for nonprofit organizations, faith-based organizations, and houses of worship.
- Improved access to information on federal grant programs.
- Centralized resource for best practices in safety and security.
- Potential for increased funding for security enhancements.
- Training and assistance for implementing security measures.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for increased government oversight of faith-based and nonprofit organizations.
- Risk of inefficient allocation of resources if the Clearinghouse is not managed effectively.
- Possible duplication of existing resources and programs.
- Sunset provision creates uncertainty about the long-term availability of the Clearinghouse.
- The definition of 'nonprofit organization' includes a determination by the Secretary of Homeland Security that the organization is at risk of a terrorist attack or other threat, which could be subject to interpretation and potential abuse.
Constitutional Alignment
The Pray Safe Act appears to align with the Constitution, particularly the First Amendment, by aiming to protect the free exercise of religion through enhanced security for houses of worship. However, the establishment of a federal clearinghouse and potential government oversight could raise concerns about the separation of church and state. The Act's focus on safety and security also aligns with the government's responsibility to "insure domestic Tranquility," as stated in the Preamble.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).