Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that prohibits the process known as "vaccine coercion."

Highlights:

• Defines the term “coerce” to mean (Sec. 1):

• The use of physical violence, a threat, intimidation, or retaliation with the purpose of causing a reasonable individual of ordinary susceptibilities to acquiesce when the individual otherwise would not; or

• The conditioning of a private or public benefit, including without limitation employment, promotion, or another employment benefit, with the purpose of causing a reasonable individual of ordinary susceptibilities to acquiesce when the individual otherwise would not; or

• The use of any other means with the purpose of causing a reasonable individual of ordinary susceptibilities to acquiesce when the individual otherwise would not.

• Establishes that other positive incentives that are above or beyond any expected compensations or benefit of employment shall not be included under the term "coerce" (Sec. 1).

• Establishes that the term “medically contraindicated” means the vaccine should not be administered to an individual because of a condition that individual has that will be detrimental to the individual's health if the individual receives the vaccine (Sec. 1).

• Establishes that the term “person” means any natural person, corporation, firm, partnership, limited partnership, trust, association, or any other legal or commercial entity (Sec. 1).

• Prohibits a person to coerce another person to receive a vaccine or immunization for COVID-19 if (Sec 2):

• The vaccine or immunization for COVID-19 is medically contraindicated for the other person, as attested by a written statement from a physician licensed to practice medicine in this state; or

• The other person objects to the vaccine or immunization for COVID-19 on the grounds that the vaccine or immunization for COVID-19 conflicts with the person’s religious or philosophical beliefs.

• Authorizes that if an employer does not give consideration for the conditions previously described and takes punitive action against an employee who requested the consideration, the employee may seek lost wages (Sec. 1).

• Authorizes that an employee who seeks lost wages shall be reimbursed comparable to unemployment benefits in this state through the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, or funds that may become available (Sec. 1).

• Establishes an emergency and that this act be shall immediately become effective (Sec 2): 

• On the date of its approval by the Governor; or

• If the bill is neither approved nor vetoed by the Governor, the expiration of the period of time during which the Governor may veto the bill; or 

• If the bill is vetoed by the Governor and the veto is overridden, the date the last house overrides the veto.

Full Bill Text