SB12 Alabama 2021 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Arthur OrrSenator

Republican

Co-Sponsors

Gerald H. AllenWill BarfootTom ButlerDonnie ChesteenChris ElliottGarlan GudgerAndrew JonesSteve LivingstonTim MelsonRandy PriceClay ScofieldApril WeaverJack W. Williams

Session

Second Special Session 2021

Title

Vaccinations, prohibiting employers public accomodations and occupational licensing boards from discriminating based on immunization status, to create a cause of action, to authorize the Attorney General to defend an employer, place of public accommodation, or occupational licensing board in certain situations

Summary

SB12 would ban discrimination based on immunization status by employers, places of public accommodation, and licensing boards in Alabama, and let the Attorney General defend against federal vaccine mandates while declaring federal vaccine requirements invalid in the state.

What This Bill Does

The bill makes it illegal to treat someone differently because of their immunization status in employment, public-facing services, or licensing decisions. People who experience discrimination could seek court orders and may be awarded penalties and attorney fees if they win. The Attorney General can sue or defend employers, public accommodations, or licensing boards in cases involving federal fines or mandates that conflict with Alabama's immunization law. Licensing boards cannot deny or delay licenses based on immunization status, and the act states federal vaccine mandates are not recognized in Alabama.

Who It Affects

• Individuals such as job applicants, employees, customers of public accommodations, and license applicants who would be protected from discrimination based on immunization status and could seek remedies if violated.
• Employers, places of public accommodation, and occupational licensing boards who must follow the new rules and may face lawsuits or AG involvement in cases of alleged violations (including against federal mandates).

Key Provisions

• Prohibits discrimination based on immunization status in employment, public accommodations, and licensing decisions.
• Allows the Attorney General to sue violators or defend entities facing federal fines, penalties, or mandates that conflict with Alabama's immunization law.
• Requires occupational licensing boards to refrain from denying, suspending, revoking, or withholding licenses due to immunization status; provides for injunctive relief, penalties, and attorney fees in enforcement actions.
• Explicitly states that federal vaccine mandates are invalid in Alabama and shall not be recognized by the state.

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