SB13 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, 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

SB13 would prohibit discrimination based on immunization status by employers, places of public accommodation, and licensing boards, and give the Attorney General enforcement power.

What This Bill Does

It would bar discrimination based on immunization status by employers, places of public accommodation, and occupational licensing boards, and would also bar state or local governments from forcing such discrimination. The Attorney General could enforce the act and defend affected entities if they face federal penalties or mandates in violation of this law, and courts could grant injunctions, penalties, and attorney fees for violations. It also protects licensing boards from denying or revoking licenses based on immunization status, with similar enforcement options. The act would take effect immediately after passage by the Governor.

Who It Affects

• Employees and job applicants: protected from being fired, not hired, demoted, or otherwise discriminated against based on immunization status.
• Employers and potential employers: prohibited from discriminating against workers or applicants based on immunization status.
• Places of public accommodation: cannot deny goods or services to people because of their immunization status.
• Occupational licensing boards: cannot deny, suspend, or revoke licenses based on immunization status; boards are protected and subject to enforcement.
• State and local government bodies: cannot require or pressure others to discriminate on immunization status.

Key Provisions

• Prohibits discrimination in employment, public accommodations, and by licensing boards based on immunization status (presence/absence of antibodies or vaccination).
• Prohibits state or local governments from pressuring or mandating discrimination based on immunization status.
• Authorizes the Attorney General to enforce the act and defend affected entities; allows civil actions, injunctions, penalties, and attorney fees.
• Requires licensing boards to avoid denying or suspending licenses based on immunization status; provides enforcement remedies.
• Effective immediately upon the Governor's approval.

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