IN HB1196

Employers may require immunizations only if they respect employees' right to refuse; employees must be free from coercion or adverse employment actions (affecting tenure, compensation, benefits, working conditions, or uniform requirements) based on their refusal

Employers offering free immunizations must provide written notice informing employees that acceptance is voluntary and that refusal cannot result in coercion or adverse action

Violations may be reported to the Indiana Department of Labor, which must impose a $5,000 civil penalty per incident; employees may also bring private civil actions seeking actual damages, court costs, attorney's fees, and injunctive relief

Contracts, bid specifications, or agreements entered into, amended, or renewed after March 31, 2026 cannot contain provisions requiring employee immunizations that limit these protections

Repeals existing provisions specific to COVID-19 immunization exemptions and broadens protections to cover all immunizations; effective upon passage as emergency legislation