AR HB1972

Requires employers imposing COVID-19 vaccination or treatment mandates to provide employees with an exemption process allowing weekly negative antigen/molecular tests or annual antibody/T cell response testing from a licensed provider.

Mandates testing cost coverage through employee health benefit plans or state/federal funding including American Rescue Plan Act relief funds, with the Department of Finance and Administration establishing distribution rules and reporting monthly to the Legislative Council.

Prohibits employers from terminating employees who comply with the exemption process testing requirements, and protects employees from unemployment benefit disqualification if terminated solely for refusing COVID-19 vaccination.

Authorizes the Department of Finance and Administration to distribute COVID-19 relief funds to cover testing costs, including establishment of employer options for fund receipt and employee disbursement, with verification meeting legislative auditing requirements.

Declares an emergency and sets July 31, 2023 as the expiration date for these provisions unless extended by the General Assembly.