Signed by Governor Jim Justice, Jr.

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that limits employer discretion in requiring workers have the COVID-19 vaccine.

Highlights:

• Requires covered employers to exempt current or prospective employees from a COVID-19 immunization requirement upon the presentation of the following certifications, including (Sec. 1):

• Certification signed by a licensed physician stating that theres a specific precaution in their physical condition to the mandated vaccine; or

• A notarized certification documenting religious beliefs that prevent an individual from taking the COVID-19 immunization.

• Defines “covered employer” as the following, including (Sec. 1):

• For the state of West Virginia, any;

• Department;

• Division

• Agency;

• Bureau

• Board;

• Commission;

• Office or authority thereof; and

• Political subdivisions including counties, municipalities, and school districts.

• For a business entity, any;

• Individual;

• Firm;

• Partnership;

• Joint venture;

• Association;

• Corporation or company;

• Estate, trust, or business trust;

• Receiver or syndicate;

• Club or society; and

• Any group or combination acting as a unit engaged in business activity.

• Establishes that this bill shall take effect immediately upon passage (Sec. 1).

Full Bill Text

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that limits employer discretion in requiring workers have the COVID-19 vaccine.

Highlights:

• Requires covered employers to exempt current or prospective employees from a COVID-19 immunization requirement upon the presentation of the following certifications, including (Sec. 1):

• Certification signed by a licensed physician stating that theres a specific precaution in their physical condition to the mandated vaccine; or

• A notarized certification documenting religious beliefs that prevent an individual from taking the COVID-19 immunization.

• Defines “covered employer” as the following, including (Sec. 1):

• For the state of West Virginia, any;

• Department;

• Division

• Agency;

• Bureau

• Board;

• Commission;

• Office or authority thereof; and

• Political subdivisions including counties, municipalities, and school districts.

• For a business entity, any;

• Individual;

• Firm;

• Partnership;

• Joint venture;

• Association;

• Corporation or company;

• Estate, trust, or business trust;

• Receiver or syndicate;

• Club or society; and

• Any group or combination acting as a unit engaged in business activity.

• Establishes that this bill shall take effect immediately upon passage (Sec. 1).

Full Bill Text