HB8 Alabama 2021 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Arnold MooneyRepresentative

Republican

Co-Sponsors

Tommy HanesMike HolmesAndrew SorrellRich Wingo

Session

Second Special Session 2021

Title

Vaccinations, mandates by employers, places of public accommodation, and occupational licensing boards declared a prohibited discriminatory practice, private cause of action authorized, Attorney General authorized to enforce and intervene

Summary

HB8 would bar discrimination based on immunization status by employers, places of public accommodation, and occupational licensing boards in Alabama, and empower the Attorney General to enforce it.

What This Bill Does

It makes it illegal for employers to discriminate in hiring, promotion, discipline, pay, or other employment terms because of immunization status. Public places that serve the public cannot deny services or access based on immunization status. Occupational licensing boards cannot deny or suspend licenses for immunization status. The bill also prevents state or local governments from forcing private entities to discriminate, and it authorizes the Attorney General to enforce the law and defend entities facing federal penalties or mandates, with courts able to issue injunctions and order remedies including penalties and attorney fees.

Who It Affects

• Employees and job applicants: protected from discrimination based on immunization status in hiring, promotion, and employment terms.
• Customers and users of public accommodations: protected from discrimination based on immunization status when accessing goods, services, or facilities.
• Employers, prospective employers, places of public accommodation, and occupational licensing boards: restricted from discriminating based on immunization status in various decisions and actions, including licensing decisions.
• State and local government bodies: cannot require or pressure discrimination against individuals based on immunization status.
• The Attorney General and courts: empowered to enforce the law, sue violators, and award remedies.

Key Provisions

• Prohibits discrimination based on immunization status in employment and in public accommodations; defines key terms.
• Prevents state or local government bodies from dictating that private entities discriminate based on immunization status.
• Authorizes the Attorney General to bring civil actions and to defend entities facing federal penalties or mandates related to immunization status violations.
• Allows individuals to seek injunctions and court-ordered remedies (including penalties and attorney fees) for violations.
• Requires occupational licensing boards not to deny or suspend licenses based on immunization status; permits injunctions and AG involvement in enforcement.
• Effective immediately following passage and governor’s approval (or when it becomes law).

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