Bill > HB1350

This bill, known as the "Georgia Medical Freedom Act," aims to protect individuals' rights to make their own decisions about medical interventions, which are defined broadly to include procedures, treatments, drugs, vaccines, tests, and devices. It prohibits business entities from denying services, products, or opportunities based on an individual's refusal of a medical intervention, and also prevents them from requiring medical interventions as a condition of employment or contract work. Similarly, ticket issuers are prohibited from discriminating or denying access to events based on an individual's refusal of medical interventions. The bill also explicitly forbids schools from mandating medical interventions for attendance, employment, or participation in extracurricular activities, and prohibits government entities or officials from requiring them for access to services, licenses, benefits, public facilities, or employment. Employers are also barred from offering different compensation, benefits, or treatment based on an employee's decision regarding medical interventions, though they can allow time off for employees to obtain them. While generally prohibiting mandates, the bill allows for the requirement of personal protective equipment (PPE) under specific conditions related to occupational safety, but individuals cannot be compelled to use PPE authorized solely under an emergency use authorization from the FDA. The bill also repeals the authority of the Department of Public Health and county health boards to mandate vaccinations or other measures for contagious diseases, and states that its provisions cannot be suspended or contradicted during declared emergencies. Enforcement of the act can be pursued through civil action by the Attorney General or prosecuting attorneys, with potential relief including injunctions and attorney's fees.

Health and Social Services

https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/73294