scope:

Purpose and applicability.

(a) The purpose of this part is to set forth USDA policy regarding equal opportunity for religious organizations to participate in USDA assistance programs for which other private organizations are eligible.

(b) Except as otherwise specifically provided in this part, the policy outlined in this part applies to all recipients and subrecipients of USDA assistance to which 2 CFR part 400 applies, and to recipients and subrecipients of Commodity Credit Corporation assistance that is administered by agencies of USDA.

[69 FR 41382, July 9, 2004, as amended at 81 FR 19413, Apr. 4, 2016]

EFFECTIVE DATE NOTE: At 85 FR 82132, Dec. 17, 2020, § 16.1 was amended by redesignating paragraph (b) as paragraph (c) and adding a new paragraph (b), effective Jan. 19, 2021. For the convenience of the user, the added text is set forth as follows:

(b) The requirements established in this part do not prevent a USDA awarding agency or any State or local government or other intermediary from accommodating religion in a manner consistent with Federal law and the Religion Clauses of the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.