This bill requires a person or entity that employs one or more persons ("employer"), and that requires an immunization as a condition of employment or continued employment, to exempt from the requirement a person who files with the employer a signed, written statement that the immunization conflicts with the person’s religious tenets and practices. If a person files such a statement, then the employer is prohibited from requiring any form of proof of the person’s religious conviction beyond the statement.
This bill prohibits an employer from taking an adverse action against a person who files such a statement. This bill defines "adverse action" as discriminating against a person by denying the person employment; or discharging, threatening, or otherwise discriminating against an employee in a manner that affects the employee's employment. However, a healthcare provider does not violate this bill if reasonable accommodation measures are implemented and provided to the person who files a statement in order to protect the safety and health of other persons from communicable diseases.
This bill authorizes a person who is injured as a result of a violation of these provisions to maintain a private right of action for injunctive relief and to recover compensatory damages and reasonable attorney's fees against an alleged violator.