Bill > HR3240

This bill, known as the RESTORE Act (Reaffirming Every Servicemembers' Trust Of Religious Exemptions Act), establishes a Special Review Board within the Department of Defense to audit and address the impacts on service members who filed religious accommodation requests, particularly related to the COVID-19 vaccine mandate. The board will conduct a comprehensive review of religious accommodation requests across the military since 2020, assessing compliance with the Religious Freedom Restoration Act and investigating potential negative career consequences for service members. The board's key responsibilities include evaluating career impacts, determining eligibility for career restorations such as backdated promotions, corrected dates of rank, restoration of lost pay and benefits, and potential reinstatement for those who left service. Additionally, the bill mandates the expungement of adverse administrative actions related to vaccine refusal, creates a mechanism for service members to request record reviews, and requires detailed reporting to congressional armed services committees. The Secretary of Defense must ensure compensation for eligible service members within 60 days of case review, and the Department of Defense Inspector General will conduct an independent audit of the Act's implementation within 18 months. The bill defines key terms like "adverse action" and "religious accommodation" and authorizes necessary funding to support the Special Review Board's operations.

Military Affairs and Security

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/3240/all-info