H.B. 489 - Inalienable Rights of Conscience Act

• Schools, private colleges, and state institutions of higher education cannot require students to receive vaccines, drugs, biological products, or genetic immunotherapy (mRNA, DNA, or other genetic vaccine technology) if the student objects based on conscience or religious convictions, effective July 4, 2021.

• Students objecting to vaccines need only submit a written statement without additional information, and institutions must accept the objection and cannot expel students for refusing vaccination.

• Employers cannot require employees to receive the same vaccines and treatments if employees object for reasons of conscience or religious convictions, effective July 4, 2021.

• Employees objecting to vaccines need only submit a written statement, and employers must accept the objection and cannot terminate employment for refusing vaccination.

• Violations by employers constitute unlawful employment discrimination; employees can file complaints with the Ohio Civil Rights Commission or seek mandamus action, with courts authorized to award reasonable attorney's fees to prevailing parties.