HB 175 - COVID-19 Immunization Rights

• Prohibits businesses, state agencies, the University of Alaska, municipalities, school districts, and local governments from requiring individuals to undergo COVID-19 vaccination or provide proof of vaccination to access publicly available areas or services, notwithstanding any governor-declared disaster emergency.

• Prohibits state agencies, municipalities, school districts, and local governments from adopting policies requiring individuals to undergo COVID-19 vaccination or provide proof of vaccination to exercise lawful rights or receive public benefits.

• Prohibits employers (including the state, University of Alaska, Alaska Railroad, and local governments) from requiring employees or job applicants to undergo or prove receipt of COVID-19 vaccination as a condition of employment, unless authorized by federal law.

• Allows employees and job applicants to refuse vaccination if required by an employer in violation of this law, if medically contraindicated, or if contrary to sincerely held religious beliefs.

• Prohibits employers from discriminating against employees or applicants regarding tenure, compensation, benefits, or employment terms based on vaccine refusal or civil actions brought under this section, with remedies including injunctive relief, actual damages, and punitive damages in superior court.