The proposed bill, SB1407, amends existing Arizona law regarding vaccination mandates by requiring employers to allow employees to opt out of vaccination requirements for COVID-19, influenza A, influenza B, and any vaccine authorized for emergency use by the FDA, provided they submit a completed religious exemption form. The bill prohibits employers from inquiring into the validity of an employee's religious beliefs and from discriminating against employees based on their vaccination status. Additionally, it removes the previous exception that allowed employers to deny accommodations if they posed more than a de minimis cost.

The bill also outlines specific requirements for the religious exemption form, mandates confidentiality regarding exemption requests, and allows employers to maintain a database of such requests for internal use. Furthermore, it defines "COVID-19" and expands the definition of "sincerely held religious beliefs" to include moral or ethical beliefs. Overall, the bill strengthens protections for employees seeking religious exemptions from vaccination mandates.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 23-206
Senate Engrossed Version: 23-206