Bill > HR8769

This bill, titled the "Military Chaplains Modernization Act of 2026," aims to clarify and strengthen the roles, responsibilities, and protections of chaplains within the U.S. Armed Forces, acknowledging the historical importance of religious liberty and pastoral care in military service. It specifically amends Title 10 of the United States Code to define the duties of chaplains across the Army, Navy, and Air Force, emphasizing their role as principal advisors to commanders on matters of religious practice, spiritual readiness, and moral well-being, while also ensuring they can meet the diverse religious needs of service members and their families. A key provision is the explicit protection of chaplains' rights to perform religious duties according to their sincerely held beliefs and the tenets of their religious-endorsing organizations, preventing them from being compelled to perform acts contrary to their faith or facing retaliation for refusing such assignments, with violations subject to the Uniform Code of Military Justice. The bill also establishes specific leadership roles within the chaplaincy, such as Deputy Chiefs of Chaplains with defined responsibilities and ranks, and clarifies the definition of a "chaplain" as a qualified religious ministry professional accountable to both the Armed Forces and their religious-endorsing organization.