Bill > HB383

This bill amends the Texas Health and Safety Code to prohibit private employers from mandating COVID-19 vaccines for any reason, including as a condition of employment, contract position, or admission. The bill broadens the scope of previous protections by replacing specific references to employees, contractors, and applicants with the more general term "person," effectively expanding the legal protection against vaccine mandates. It prevents employers from taking any adverse action (defined as a punitive or alienating action) against individuals who refuse to be vaccinated against COVID-19. The bill allows individuals who believe they have been subjected to an adverse action to file a complaint with the relevant commission. The changes will apply only to conduct or adverse actions occurring on or after the bill's effective date, which will be either immediately upon receiving a two-thirds vote in the Texas legislature or September 1, 2025, if immediate passage is not achieved. The bill also includes a severability clause, meaning that if any part of the law is found invalid, the rest of the law can still be enforced.

Business and Industry

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB383