SB9 Alabama 2021 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Chris ElliottSenator

Republican

Co-Sponsors

Gerald H. AllenWill BarfootTom ButlerClyde ChamblissDonnie ChesteenSam GivhanGarlan GudgerAndrew JonesSteve LivingstonDel MarshTim MelsonArthur OrrDan RobertsClay ScofieldDavid SessionsShay ShelnuttJ.T. WaggonerApril WeaverJack W. Williams

Session

Second Special Session 2021

Title

Vaccines, exemption from COVID-19 vaccination for medical reasons or religious belief, submission of a form requesting the exemption

Summary

SB9 requires Alabama employers to allow COVID-19 vaccination exemptions for medical or religious reasons using a standard form, and creates an appeal process with temporary protections for employees.

What This Bill Does

If enacted, employers must exempt employees who submit the exemption form from vaccination requirements. The form is standardized and must be readily available, with language stating the exemption reasons. The Department of Labor would create an emergency rule to allow appeals to an administrative law judge, with specific filing deadlines and a 30-day ruling requirement; if a denial is upheld, the employee can appeal to a court. Employers are barred from firing an employee for a denial period and must continue paying the employee at the same rate for 7 days after denial or during the appeal, and the act includes a repeal date of May 1, 2023.

Who It Affects

• Employees in Alabama who may request medical or religious exemptions from COVID-19 vaccination and are protected from immediate termination during the denial/appeal period.
• Employers in Alabama who must provide the exemption form, process exemption requests, and handle related appeals and interim compensation.

Key Provisions

• Allows exemptions for medical reasons or sincerely held religious beliefs, with a standard exemption form to be completed and submitted by the employee.
• Submission of the completed form creates a presumption the employee is entitled to the exemption; employers must not require vaccination if the form is submitted.
• The Department of Labor must adopt an emergency rule to establish an appeal process to administrative law judges, with appeals due within 7 calendar days after denial or 3 business days after rule adoption, and judges must issue rulings within 30 calendar days.
• If the administrative law judge upholds the denial, the employee may appeal to a court within 14 calendar days.
• Employers may not terminate an employee for 7 calendar days after denial or during the appeal period until a final ruling is issued; employers must compensate the employee at the same rate for 7 calendar days after denial or during the appeal.
• The act does not create a private cause of action for termination related to vaccination status, and it includes funding for administrative law judges and a repeal date of May 1, 2023.
• The act takes effect immediately after governor 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