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Committee adopts cleanup amendment to House bill protecting clergy communications for militia chaplains
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Summary
The committee adopted a cleanup amendment to H.3798 clarifying endorsement and clergy-privilege protections for military chaplains serving in the National Guard and organized militia and reported the bill favorably to the Senate floor.
The Family and Veteran Services Committee adopted a committee amendment and reported House Bill 3798 favorably to the Senate floor on Feb. 11. The bill covers endorsement and privilege protections for military chaplains in the National Guard and organized militia.
Committee staff explained H.3798 requires military chaplains in the National Guard or organized militia to be properly ordained and endorsed by a recognized military endorsing agency. The amendment cleans up language that differed between a House and Senate version and clarifies that recognized clergy privileges and privacy protections apply when communications occur as a formal act of religion or as a matter of conscience.
A subcommittee received written input including a letter from a civil chaplain and testimony at tab 14, prompting the language adjustments. Senators questioned whether uniform requirements in the amendment might limit private clergy communications; committee members said uniform language was intended to be broadly inclusive because militias vary in dress and practice and protections hinge on whether communication is made as a formal act or matter of conscience.
The committee adopted the amendment by voice vote with no recorded opposition and reported H.3798 favorably as amended to the Senate floor.
The transcript records discussion and adoption but does not include a roll-call tally; the bill proceeds to full Senate consideration.
