The Texas COVID-19 Vaccine Freedom Act establishes that individuals lawfully residing in Texas have the right to provide or withhold informed consent for medical treatments involving COVID-19 vaccinations. The bill prohibits any person from compelling or coercing individuals into receiving a COVID-19 vaccine against their preferences. It mandates that healthcare providers must obtain informed consent from individuals before administering a COVID-19 vaccine, and it defines that an individual lacks the capacity to provide informed consent if they have been coerced into vaccination.

Additionally, the bill stipulates that no adverse actions or penalties can be imposed on individuals for refusing or failing to obtain a COVID-19 vaccine. The Texas Attorney General is granted the authority to seek injunctive relief against violators of this section, and healthcare providers who fail to obtain informed consent may be liable for damages of at least $5,000. The provisions of this Act will apply only to conduct occurring after its effective date, which can be immediate or set for September 1, 2025, depending on legislative approval.

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