GREEN SHEET REDIGEST
HB 498 2021 Regular Session Edmonston
DISCRIMINATION: Prohibits discrimination by government agencies and officials
on the basis of vaccination or immunity status
DIGEST
Proposed law prohibits a state or local government official or agency from distinguishing
between individuals based on whether a person has or has not had a vaccination or is or is
not immune to a virus. Provides examples of discrimination that is prohibited.
Proposed law provides exceptions applicable to providing medical services.
Proposed law provides an exception for present law immunization requirements for students,
except for vaccines targeting COVID-19 or SARS-COV2.
Proposed law authorizes any person to commence a suit for the issuance of a writ of
mandamus or injunctive or declaratory relief to require compliance with the provisions of
proposed law, together with reasonable attorney fees and costs.
Proposed law provides that no private or public entity shall discriminate in any way against
a person based upon their COVID-19 vaccination status. Proposed law further provides that
the discrimination ban based upon COVID-19 vaccination status will remain in place only
until that date that a vaccine for the COVID-19 virus has been fully approved by the U.S.
Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and is no longer subject to emergency use
authorization.
(Adds R.S. 49:186)
Summary of Amendments Adopted by House
The Committee Amendments Proposed by House Committee on Civil Law and
Procedure to the original bill:
1. Add an exception prohibiting government officials or agencies from
distinguishing COVID-19 immunization requirements for students.
2. Remove the venue provision.
Summary of Amendments Adopted by Senate
Committee Amendments Proposed by Senate Committee on Judiciary A to the
reengrossed bill
1. Bans discrimination based upon COVID-19 vaccination status.
2. Provides that the ban on discrimination will remain effective until a COVID-19
vaccination has been fully approved by the FDA and is no longer subject to
emergency use authorization.
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Prepared by Carla S. Roberts.