HB12 Alabama 2026 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Ernie YarbroughRepresentative

Republican

Session

2026 Regular Session

Title

Health; discrimination by certain entities against individuals who refuse certain immunizations, drugs, or facial coverings for reasons of conscience prohibited; civil cause of action for violations provided; Attorney General authorized to defend an entity subject to related federal penalties

Summary

HB12 would prohibit discrimination against people who refuse certain vaccines, drugs, or facial coverings for conscience reasons (including religious beliefs) and establish enforcement and remedies.

What This Bill Does

It bars employers, prospective employers, places of public accommodation, hospitals, health plan insurers, and occupational licensing boards from discriminating against individuals based on immunization status or on conscience-based refusals to wear facial coverings or take certain drugs; it defines immunization status and facial coverings and notes that surgical masks are excluded during procedures. It allows a person who experiences discrimination to seek court injunctions and remedies, including attorney fees. It authorizes the Attorney General to sue for violations and to defend or participate in cases on behalf of entities facing federal penalties or mandates related to the act. The act becomes effective June 1, 2026.

Who It Affects

• Individuals who refuse immunizations, drugs, or facial coverings for conscience reasons (including religious beliefs) would be protected from discrimination in employment, public accommodations, health care, and licensing processes.
• Employers, prospective employers, places of public accommodation, hospitals, health plan insurers, and occupational licensing boards would be restricted from discrimination and subject to injunctions, penalties, and enforcement actions by the Attorney General.

Key Provisions

• Prohibits discrimination by employers, prospective employers, places of public accommodation, hospitals, health plan insurers, and occupational licensing boards based on immunization status or conscience-based refusals to immunizations, drugs, or facial coverings.
• Establishes a private right of action and allows injunctive relief and other remedies (including attorney fees) for violations; defines terms such as immunization status and facial covering (excluding surgical masks during procedures).
• Authorizes the Attorney General to enforce the act, sue for violations, and defend or participate in suits on behalf of entities facing federal penalties or mandates related to the act.
• Effective date: June 1, 2026.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 11, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Health