SB1250 is a bill that amends current Arizona law to expand religious exemptions for vaccinations and to strengthen protections for employees who opt out of vaccinations due to religious beliefs. The bill requires employers to allow employees to opt out of vaccination requirements for COVID-19, influenza A and B, flu, or any vaccine authorized by the FDA for emergency use only, by completing a religious exemption form. It prohibits employers from inquiring into the veracity of an employee's religious beliefs beyond what is allowed under federal law and from discriminating against employees based on vaccination status. The bill also outlines the minimum requirements for an employer's vaccination religious exemption form and mandates confidentiality for exemption claims within the organization.

The bill removes the current exception that allows employers to deny religious exemptions if providing an accommodation would pose more than a de minimus cost to the employer. It also establishes a complaint process with the Attorney General for employees who are terminated for not being offered or being denied a religious exemption. Employers found in violation of the religious exemption requirements are given an opportunity to correct the noncompliance within 10 days, failing which they may face a civil penalty of $5,000. The bill defines "COVID-19" and "sincerely held religious beliefs, practices or observances" for the purposes of the exemptions.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 23-206, 36-425.09
Senate Engrossed Version: 23-206, 23-207