SB6 Alabama 2021 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Sam GivhanSenator

Republican

Co-Sponsors

Tom ButlerDonnie ChesteenChris ElliottGarlan GudgerAndrew JonesDan RobertsApril Weaver

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

SB6 would limit COVID-19 vaccine mandates in Alabama, require workplace alternatives to vaccination, require parental consent for minor vaccines, and allow medical or religious exemptions with a sunset clause.

What This Bill Does

If enacted, it would bar employers from requiring a COVID-19 vaccine unless federal law explicitly requires it. Employers would need to offer non-vaccine options to reduce spread, such as testing, masks, social distancing, or recognizing natural immunity. The bill also prevents mandatory vaccination for minors without written parental consent and allows exemptions for medical contraindication or religious beliefs, including for school attendance; it defines vaccination terms and includes an immediate effective date with a sunset repeal in 2025.

Who It Affects

• Employees and employers in Alabama, as workplace vaccine mandates would be restricted and non-vaccine options must be offered.
• Minors and their parents/guardians (and educational institutions), since minors would need parental consent for COVID vaccines and schools could not require vaccination, with medical or religious exemptions allowed.

Key Provisions

• Provision 1: Prohibits employer vaccine mandates for COVID-19 unless explicitly mandated by federal law, and requires offering a broad range of reasonable measures other than vaccination to minimize spread (e.g., testing, masks, social distancing, or accepting natural antibodies). Defines vaccination and vaccine for the act.
• Provision 2: Allows exemptions from vaccine requirements for medical contraindications or religious beliefs; requires parental consent for minors to receive COVID-19 vaccines; applies to education attendance; and includes a sunset repeal date of April 30, 2025 with immediate effectiveness.

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