SB1407 is a bill that amends Arizona Revised Statutes section 23-206, expanding the scope of religious exemptions for vaccinations required by employers. The bill mandates that employers must allow employees to opt out of vaccination requirements for COVID-19, influenza A, influenza B, flu, or any vaccine authorized by the FDA for emergency use only, if the employee completes a religious exemption form. It also prohibits employers from inquiring into the veracity of an employee's religious beliefs beyond what federal law allows and from discriminating against employees based on their vaccination status.

The bill removes the previous exception that allowed employers to deny religious exemptions if providing accommodations would result in more than a de minimus cost to the employer. It outlines the minimum requirements for an employer's vaccination religious exemption form, mandates confidentiality for religious exemption claims within the organization, and allows employers to create a database of religious exemption requests for internal use only. The bill also defines "COVID-19" and "sincerely held religious beliefs, practices or observances," which includes moral or ethical beliefs.

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