HB 1B - COVID-19 Mandates Summary

• Prohibits private employers from imposing COVID-19 vaccination mandates unless employees can opt out based on medical reasons (including pregnancy), religious beliefs, COVID-19 immunity, periodic testing, or use of employer-provided personal protective equipment.

• Allows employees to file complaints with the Department of Legal Affairs if exemptions are denied; employers who improperly terminate employees face administrative fines of $10,000 (fewer than 100 employees) or $50,000 (100+ employees) per violation, unless they reinstate the employee with back pay.

• Prohibits educational institutions and governmental entities from imposing COVID-19 vaccination mandates on employees; declares any existing ordinances, rules, or policies imposing such mandates null and void as of the effective date, with fines up to $5,000 per violation.

• Prohibits educational institutions and local officials from imposing COVID-19 vaccination mandates on students; prohibits school districts from mandating face coverings or restricting student activities based on COVID-19 exposure if the student is asymptomatic and has no positive test.

• Provides $5 million in appropriations to the Department of Legal Affairs for complaint investigations and legal action against COVID-19 vaccination mandates; all provisions expire June 1, 2023.