H.B. 319 - Conscientious Right to Refuse Act

• Prohibits discrimination against individuals 18 or older who refuse biologics, vaccines, pharmaceuticals, drugs, gene editing technology, RNA-based products, or DNA-based products for reasons of conscience or religious convictions

• Applies to businesses, employers, health plan issuers, health care providers, hospitals, nursing homes, state agencies, political subdivisions, and state institutions of higher education

• Prohibits employers from denying employment or terminating employees; prohibits denial of services, access to commerce, or segregation; and prohibits differential treatment based on refusal of medical interventions

• Allows individuals to seek injunctive relief, declaratory judgment, or pursue civil actions for damages; prevailing plaintiffs in civil actions receive court costs, reasonable attorney's fees, and treble damages (three times actual damages or $200, whichever is greater)

• Does not prevent recommendation, education, or access to medical interventions; prevails over conflicting general laws unless a general law contains a specific exemption from this section