Bill > H0061

This bill proposes to establish a comprehensive legal framework protecting individual bodily autonomy and health care decision-making in Vermont. Specifically, the bill creates a new chapter in Vermont state law that prevents any state agency, employer, business, organization, educational institution, or other entity from denying, restricting, or imposing conditions on an individual's right to make personal health care choices, including accepting or refusing medical interventions, treatments, tests, or vaccines based on religious, conscientious, or personal beliefs. The bill explicitly protects individuals from discrimination in areas such as employment, education, travel, child care, insurance, and participation in recreational activities due to their health care decisions. Furthermore, the legislation stipulates that these protections remain in effect even during emergencies, including public health crises, and allows individuals who suffer damages from violations of these rights to pursue legal action in Superior Court, seeking injunctive relief, compensatory and punitive damages, attorney's fees, and other appropriate remedies. The bill would take effect immediately upon passage, underscoring the legislature's intent to quickly establish these protections for individual medical decision-making autonomy.