HB9 Alabama 2021 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Ritchie WhortonRepresentative

Republican

Co-Sponsors

Tommy HanesMike HolmesCharlotte MeadowsAndrew Sorrell

Session

Second Special Session 2021

Title

Health, prohibiting employers public accomodations and occupational licensing boards from discriminating based on immunization status

Summary

HB9 would bar discrimination based on immunization status by employers, places of public accommodation, and licensing boards in Alabama, with civil remedies and a stance against federal vaccine mandates.

What This Bill Does

The bill makes it illegal to fire, refuse to hire, promote, or otherwise discriminate against someone because of their immunization status in employment. It also prohibits denying or limiting access to goods, services, or facilities at places of public accommodation based on immunization status. It extends protection to licensing decisions, preventing occupational licensing boards from denying licenses for immunization status and allowing civil action with remedies. It states that federal vaccine mandates are unconstitutional in Alabama and becomes effective immediately after passage.

Who It Affects

• Individuals (job applicants, employees, and customers) who would be protected from discrimination based on immunization status in work and access to goods/services.
• Employers, places of public accommodation, and occupational licensing boards who would be prohibited from discrimination and could face civil actions, damages, or penalties for violations.

Key Provisions

• Prohibits employment discrimination (hiring, firing, promotion, compensation, and terms of employment) based on immunization status.
• Prohibits discrimination in public accommodations, ensuring equal access to goods, services, and facilities regardless of immunization status.
• For licensing, prohibits denial, suspension, revocation, or issuance of licenses by licensing boards based on immunization status; allows civil actions and remedies.
• Provides remedies for violations: injunctive relief, compensatory damages, punitive damages, and attorney fees to prevailing plaintiffs; allows the Attorney General to sue.
• Defines immunization status, employers, and places of public accommodation; lists types of establishments covered as public accommodations.
• Declares federal vaccine mandates unconstitutional in Alabama and asserts the act is public policy; becomes effective immediately after governor action.

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

Subjects

Health