The proposed legislation, known as the Privacy and Conscience Protection Act, amends existing laws regarding employment discrimination to include protections related to the disclosure of medical status, specifically vaccination or immunization status for COVID-19 and its variants. The bill mandates that public and private employers must allow employees and contractors to refuse to disclose their vaccination status and provides a certification of disclosure exemption that employees can submit. Employers are required to notify employees of any vaccination policies and must accept the exemption without question, while also maintaining confidentiality regarding the vaccination status of those who choose not to disclose.

Additionally, the bill outlines specific requirements for employers, including the prohibition of discrimination against employees who refuse to disclose their vaccination status, and it establishes penalties for violations. The enforcement of these provisions falls under the jurisdiction of the Office of the Attorney General. The act is designed to protect individual privacy rights and ensure that employees are not penalized for their vaccination choices, with an emergency clause allowing for immediate implementation upon passage.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 25-1101