HB278 Alabama 2021 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Ritchie WhortonRepresentative

Republican

Co-Sponsor

Tommy Hanes

Session

Regular Session 2021

Title

Health, immunizations, exemptions from mandatory immunization based on religious beliefs and medical conditions, Sec. 11-47-132 repealed

Summary

HB278 repeals municipal vaccine mandates and creates broad exemptions and protections related to immunization status.

What This Bill Does

The bill repeals the power for cities to require vaccinations to prevent disease spread. It requires that if a vaccine becomes mandatory by law, exemptions are allowed for religious or sincerely held personal beliefs and for medical conditions, with caregiver exemptions for certain individuals under care. It also prohibits employers and licensing boards from disciplining or denying opportunities based on a person’s immunization status, and it bars public accommodations and government facilities from denying entry for that reason. The bill sets up medical exemption processes and allows civil actions to challenge violations, with the new act taking effect immediately.

Who It Affects

• Employees and job applicants who cannot be discriminated against or penalized for their immunization status and may pursue remedies if violated.
• License holders or applicants for occupational licenses, and individuals seeking entry to public accommodations or government facilities, who are protected from discrimination based on immunization status and may pursue civil remedies if violated.

Key Provisions

• Repeals Section 11-47-132, removing municipal authority to compel vaccinations.
• If a specific immunization is required by law, exempts individuals for religious beliefs or sincerely held personal beliefs, and for medical conditions.
• Allows caregivers (holders of powers of attorney or guardians/next of kin for elderly, nursing home, hospice, or mentally/physically disabled individuals) to attest exemption on behalf of the person under their care.
• Prohibits employers from taking adverse action against employees based on immunization status; allows civil remedies for violations.
• Prohibits occupational licensing boards from denying, suspending, or revoking licenses due to immunization status; allows civil remedies for violations.
• Prohibits places of public accommodation and government-operated facilities from denying entry based on immunization status.
• Creates an emergency-rule framework through the Board of Medical Examiners to define medical contraindications when a required immunization is enacted, and allows medical exemptions accordingly.
• Effective immediately upon passage and 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

Health