Establishment of the Religious Liberty Commission

This order (14291) creates a 14-member Religious Liberty Commission appointed by the President and supported by three advisory boards: Religious Leaders, Lay Leaders, and Legal Experts. It includes ex officio members from Department of Justice, Housing and Urban Development, and the White House Domestic Policy Council, and is tasked with producing a comprehensive report on the state of religious liberty in the U.S. The Commission is scheduled to terminate on July 4, 2026, unless extended. Its findings will inform the White House Faith Office and Domestic Policy Council and may serve as the basis for future executive or legislative actions to protect religious freedom.

What to watch: The order states that, “In recent years, some Federal, State, and local policies have threatened America's unique and beautiful tradition of religious liberty,” and directs the Commission to examine issues that may fall within traditional areas of state control, such as vaccine mandates, classroom conduct and speech, and school choice. While the Commission has no regulatory authority, its recommendations could influence future executive or legislative actions. Commission members should be advised to carefully craft recommendations so they do not reach beyond areas where the Constitution and federal laws, such as the Civil Rights Act, have traditionally provided a basis for federal oversight, risking encroachment into matters that remain under state authority.

 Federal Register :: Establishment of the Religious Liberty Commission

May 1, 2025