HB16 Alabama 2022 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Tommy Hanes

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2022

Title

Vaccines, employer-mandated COVID-19 vaccination, private right of action against employer for certain injuries or death resulting from

Summary

HB16 would allow an employee to sue an employer for harm caused by a COVID-19 vaccine that the employer requires, and would let the employee's dependents sue if the employee dies from such a mandate.

What This Bill Does

The bill creates a private right of action for an employee to sue an employer for damages caused by an adverse reaction, injury, or temporary or permanent disability arising from an employer-mandated COVID-19 vaccination. Dependents may also sue an employer for the death of the employee arising from a vaccination mandate. It defines key terms (COVID-19, employee, employer) for the purposes of the act. It becomes law on the first day of the third month after it is passed and approved by the Governor.

Who It Affects

• Employees in Alabama who are subject to an employer vaccine mandate would have a new private right to sue for injuries or disabilities from the vaccine.
• Dependent(s) of an employee would have a private right to sue if the employee dies due to a mandated vaccine.
• Employers who require COVID-19 vaccination for their employees could face lawsuits from employees and/or the employee's dependents.

Key Provisions

• Creates a private right of action for an employee against an employer for damages from adverse reaction, injury, or temporary or permanent disability due to a COVID-19 vaccine mandated by the employer.
• Extends a private right of action to dependents for the death of the employee resulting from the employer's vaccination mandate.
• Defines COVID-19, EMPLOYEE, and EMPLOYER for purposes of the act.
• Effective date: becomes law on the first day of the third month after passage and governor approval (or becoming law).

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 22, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Coronavirus