What does Preamble of Military Chaplains Modernization Act of 2026 do?

This bill aims to amend title 10, United States Code, concerning chaplains in the Armed Forces. The bill intends to define the purpose, role, and duties of chaplains. It also seeks to establish professional qualification requirements for chaplains in the Armed Forces.

What does SHORT TITLE. of Military Chaplains Modernization Act of 2026 do?

This bill is formally titled the Military Chaplains Modernization Act of 2026.

What does FINDINGS. of Military Chaplains Modernization Act of 2026 do?

This section outlines findings regarding the historical and constitutional importance of religion and religious liberty, particularly within the United States military. It highlights the early recognition of chaplaincy's value, starting with George Washington's requests for chaplains for his troops and the Continental Congress's recommendations for religious services. The text details the establishment of the Federal chaplaincy in 1775 and its ongoing role in providing pastoral care to members of the Armed Forces and their families. It references statements from historical figures like John Adams and Franklin D. Roosevelt emphasizing the significance of military chaplains. The section asserts that the First Amendment constitutionally obligates the Federal Government to provide for the religious exercise of Armed Forces members. It cites Supreme Court cases, including Kennedy v. Bremerton School District and Parker v. Levy, to support the view that religious expression is protected and that chaplains do not forfeit their First Amendment rights. The Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 1993 is noted as applying to all Federal law, including the implementation of the chaplaincy.

What does DUTIES, RESPONSIBILITIES, REQUIREMENTS, AND PROTECTIONS FOR of Military Chaplains Modernization Act of 2026 do?

This section amends titles 10 of the United States Code regarding Army chaplains. It redesignates paragraphs within Section 7073 to establish Deputy Chief of Chaplains positions for the Army Reserve and Army National Guard. The Chief of Chaplains is designated as a principal advisor to the Secretary of the Army and the Chief of Staff of the Army. Army chaplains are required to perform duties prescribed by the Secretary of the Army and the Chief of Chaplains. Chaplains must provide for the free exercise of religion and meet the spiritual needs of service members and their families. Chaplains are afforded protections regarding their sincerely held religious beliefs and confidential communications. The bill defines terms such as 'religious-endorsing organization' and 'adverse personnel action'.

What does DUTIES, RESPONSIBILITIES, REQUIREMENTS, AND PROTECTIONS FOR of Military Chaplains Modernization Act of 2026 do?

This section amends titles 10 and 10 of the United States Code regarding Navy chaplains. The Chief of Chaplains will serve as a principal advisor to the Secretary of the Navy and the Chief of Naval Operations. Deputy Chiefs of Chaplains will be detailed officers in the grade of commander or above with at least eight years of active duty in the Chaplain Corps. The Deputy Chief of Chaplains will also serve as the Chaplain of the Marine Corps and a principal advisor to the Commandant of the Marine Corps. Navy chaplains are required to perform duties prescribed by the Secretary of the Navy and the Chief of Chaplains. Chaplains are to advise commanders on religious practices, spiritual readiness, and related matters, including accommodating religious exercise. Chaplains must meet the religious needs of service members and dependents, and maintain confidential communications. Chaplains have protections regarding their sincerely held religious beliefs and are free from undue restriction or retribution. Commanding officers are required to furnish facilities to chaplains assigned to their commands.

What does DUTIES, RESPONSIBILITIES, REQUIREMENTS, AND PROTECTIONS FOR AIR of Military Chaplains Modernization Act of 2026 do?

This section amends titles 10 and 10 of the United States Code regarding duties, responsibilities, requirements, and protections for Air Force chaplains. It designates the Chief of Chaplains as the principal advisor to the Secretary and Chief of Staff of the Air Force on chaplaincy and religious support. The Air Force Chaplaincy, also serving the Space Force, is overseen by the Office of the Chief of Chaplains and advises commanders on religious freedom. A Deputy Chief of Chaplains is appointed from the Chaplain Corps, serves as Chaplain of the Space Force, and advises the Chief of Space Operations. The Air Staff includes the Chief of Chaplains for the Air Force and Space Force. Air Force chaplains perform duties prescribed by the Secretary of the Air Force and Chief of Chaplains, including advising commanders on religious practices and spiritual readiness. Chaplains have protections ensuring their duties align with their religious beliefs and freedom from censorship. Members of the Armed Forces are prohibited from retaliating against chaplains for refusing actions contrary to their religious beliefs.

What does DEFINITION OF CHAPLAIN FOR TITLE 10, UNITED STATES CODE. of Military Chaplains Modernization Act of 2026 do?

This section amends Title 10, United States Code, specifically section 101(b). It adds a new definition of 'chaplain' within Title 10. The definition of 'chaplain' refers to a religious ministry professional from a religious tradition. A chaplain must satisfy the qualifications of their religious-endorsing organization and the educational requirements of the Department of Defense. Chaplains must be appointed as officers in the Chaplain Corps and representatives of their endorsing organization, remaining accountable to that organization.

What does EFFECT OF VIOLATIONS. of Military Chaplains Modernization Act of 2026 do?

This section outlines the consequences for members of the Armed Forces who violate specific sections of Title 10, United States Code, as added by section 3 of this Act. Violations of sections 7217(b)(4), 8221(b)(4), or 9217(b)(4) of Title 10 will be subject to prosecution under section 934 of such title (article 134 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice). The President is required to establish regulations within one year of the Act's enactment, confirming that these violations constitute offenses punishable under section 934. The Manual for Courts-Martial will be revised to include these offenses.

What does REGULATIONS. of Military Chaplains Modernization Act of 2026 do?

This section directs the Secretary of Defense to establish regulations. The regulations are intended to implement changes made by the Act.

What does CONFORMING AMENDMENTS. of Military Chaplains Modernization Act of 2026 do?

This section makes conforming amendments to existing law. Section 533 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2013 is amended by striking 'and chaplains of such members' from the section heading. Subsection (b) of Section 533 is struck. Subsection (c) of Section 533 is redesignated as subsection (b). Section 9063(h) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding 'in accordance with section 9217(a)' after 'Secretary'.

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Military Chaplains Modernization Act of 2026

Last updated: 5/12/2026 · Introduced: 5/12/2026

Author: Keith Self (R-TX)

TL;DR (AI)

The bill designates the Chief of Chaplains as a principal advisor to the Secretaries and Chiefs of Staff of each branch of the military (Army, Navy, Air Force, and Space Force).
It establishes Deputy Chief of Chaplains positions within the Army and Air Force (also overseeing the Space Force) to provide additional support and advisory roles.
The bill defines 'chaplain' in Title 10 of the United States Code as a religious ministry professional meeting qualifications set by their religious-endorsing organization and the Department of Defense.
Military chaplains are required to provide for the free exercise of religion and meet the spiritual needs of service members and their families, while also receiving protections for their sincerely held religious beliefs.
Violations of certain provisions related to chaplain duties will be prosecutable under the Uniform Code of Military Justice, and the Secretary of Defense must establish regulations to implement the Act’s changes.

119th Congressin committeeOfficial page

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Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 8 more.

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