HB6 Alabama 2021 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Arnold MooneyRepresentative

Republican

Co-Sponsors

Tommy HanesMike HolmesAndrew SorrellRich Wingo

Session

Second Special Session 2021

Title

Vaccine mandates, prohibited unless federally required, vaccine exemption for medical and religious reasons created, parental consent for minor to receive COVID-19 vaccine required

Summary

HB6 would restrict COVID-19 vaccine mandates by employers unless federally required, require alternatives to vaccination, and require parental consent for minors to receive the vaccine with medical or religious exemptions.

What This Bill Does

It bars employers from mandating COVID-19 vaccines unless a federal mandate exists and requires them to offer non-vaccine options to reduce spread when a federal mandate applies. It defines vaccination and vaccine broadly for this act. It requires parental consent for any COVID-19 vaccine given to a minor and allows exemptions for medical contraindications or religious beliefs. It also applies these rules to schools and includes a sunset repeal in 2025 with immediate effect upon passage.

Who It Affects

• Employees and employers, who would be limited in imposing vaccine mandates and must provide alternatives such as testing, masks, or distancing.
• Minors and their parents/guardians (including students), who would need parental consent to receive a COVID-19 vaccine and could be exempted for medical or religious reasons.

Key Provisions

• Definition of vaccination and vaccine to include any injection intended to prevent the spread or lessen the effects of COVID-19, regardless of whether it fits the classical vaccine definition.
• Prohibition on employer vaccine mandates unless expressly required by federal law, with a requirement to offer reasonable alternatives (e.g., testing, masks, social distancing, or evidence of natural antibodies).
• No minor may be required to receive a COVID-19 vaccine without written parental consent; educational institutions may not require vaccination if medically contraindicated or against the student's religious beliefs.
• Exemptions for medical contraindication or religious beliefs; repeal of these sections is scheduled for April 30, 2025; act becomes effective immediately upon passage.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 22, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Vaccinations