Louisiana 2023 Regular Session

Louisiana Senate Bill SR117

Introduced
5/24/23  
Introduced
5/24/23  
Refer
5/25/23  
Refer
5/25/23  
Refer
6/6/23  
Refer
6/6/23  
Report Pass
6/7/23  
Report Pass
6/7/23  
Passed
6/8/23  

Caption

Memorializes Congress to pass the AMERICANS Act of 2023 to reinstate any service member removed from any branch of the military for refusing the COVID-19 vaccine.

Impact

If the AMERICANS Act is enacted, it will provide mechanisms to restore the rank of service members and rectify service records, converting general discharges related to vaccine refusal to honorable discharges. This legislative proposal is aimed at addressing perceived injustices faced by those who complied with their personal convictions rather than military directives. Additionally, it is expected to reinstate missed retirement pay and compensations associated with loss of rank or financial benefits due to the discharges.

Summary

Senate Resolution 117, introduced by Senator Cathey, seeks to memorialize the United States Congress to pass the AMERICANS Act of 2023. This legislation aims to reinstate service members who were removed from military service for refusing the COVID-19 vaccine. During the period of the vaccine mandate, which was implemented in August 2021, approximately 8,200 members were discharged for various reasons, including religious objections. The resolution advocates for significant restitution for these individuals, aligning with concerns about their treatment during the mandate's enforcement.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SR117 appears to be supportive among legislators who value the principles of personal conviction and fairness in military service. Advocates argue that this resolution serves an important moral purpose by attempting to restore honor and financial well-being to those affected by past policies during the COVID-19 pandemic. Conversely, there may be contrasting views among those who support public health mandates, as they may see the resolution as undermining military discipline and the necessity of vaccination policies.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the implications of reinstating discharged service members and how this could set precedents for future military health mandates. There is also concern regarding how the AMERICANS Act's provisions could impact military readiness and compliance with health regulations. The resolution opens a broader dialogue about the balance between individual rights and institutional requirements within the military framework, inviting diverse opinions on public health and personal liberty.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

LA SCR113

Urges US Congress to pass legislation to reinstate service members discharged for refusing COVID-19 vaccine.

LA ACR146

Urges US Congress to pass legislation to reinstate service members discharged for refusing COVID-19 vaccine.

LA SCR23

Urges US Congress to pass legislation to reinstate service members discharged for refusing COVID-19 vaccine.

LA ACR45

Urges US Congress to pass legislation to reinstate service members discharged for refusing COVID-19 vaccine.

LA SR7

A resolution condemning the federal vaccination mandate for members of the military and urging state and federal authorities to take remedial actions for negatively impacted service members.

LA HB434

Service Restoration Act This bill prohibits the use of federal funds to require a member of the Armed Forces, or a cadet or midshipman at a military service academy, to receive a COVID-19 vaccination. Additionally, no such individuals may be subject to adverse action solely on the basis of a refusal to receive a COVID-19 vaccination. At the request of an individual who was involuntarily separated from an Armed Force solely because of a refusal to receive a COVID-19 vaccination, the military department concerned must reinstate the individual as a member of the Armed Force in the same rank and grade the individual held at the time of separation, expunge from the individual's military service record any reference to adverse action related to the refusal to receive a COVID-19 vaccination, and include the period between the involuntary separation and reinstatement in the computation of retired or retainer pay of the individual. The bill requires that the discharge of members due to the failure to obey a lawful order to receive a COVID-19 vaccination must be categorized as an honorable discharge, including for individuals who were discharged prior to the enactment of this bill.

LA SB117

Allowing Military Exemptions, Recognizing Individual Concerns About New Shots Act of 2025 or the AMERICANS ActThis bill prohibits the Department of Defense (DOD) from issuing any COVID-19 vaccine mandate as a replacement for the rescinded vaccine mandate of August 24, 2021, unless the mandate is expressly authorized by Congress. The bill also provides that DOD must establish an application process for remedies for members of the Armed Forces who were discharged or subject to adverse action under the rescinded mandate.Any administrative discharge of a member on the sole basis of a failure to receive a COVID-19 vaccine must be categorized as an honorable discharge, and DOD is prohibited from taking any adverse action against such a member for that reason.DOD must try to retain unvaccinated members and provide such members with professional development, promotion and leadership opportunities, and consideration equal to that of their peers.Additionally, DOD may only consider the COVID-19 vaccination status of members in making certain decisions (e.g., deployments in countries where it is the law) and must establish a process to provide exemptions to certain members for such decisions.Members who were separated from the Armed Forces for refusing to receive a COVID-19 vaccine are not required to repay any bonuses and must be reimbursed if they repaid any portion of a bonus prior to this bill's enactment.This bill applies to all members of the Armed Forces, regardless of whether they sought an accommodation to any DOD COVID-19 vaccination policy.

LA SB29

Allowing Military Exemptions, Recognizing Individual Concerns About New Shots Act of 2023 or the AMERICANS Act This bill prohibits the Department of Defense (DOD) from issuing any COVID-19 vaccine mandate as a replacement for the rescinded vaccine mandate of August 24, 2021, unless the mandate is expressly authorized by Congress. The bill also provides that DOD must establish an application process for remedies for members of the Armed Forces who were discharged or subject to adverse action under the rescinded mandate. Any administrative discharge of a member on the sole basis of a failure to receive a COVID-19 vaccine must be categorized as an honorable discharge, and DOD is prohibited from taking any adverse action against such a member for that reason. Under the bill, DOD must try to retain unvaccinated members and provide such members with professional development, promotion and leadership opportunities, and consideration equal to that of their peers. Additionally, DOD may only consider the COVID-19 vaccination status of members in making certain decisions (e.g., deployments in countries where it is the law) and must establish a process to provide exemptions to certain members for such decisions. This bill applies to all members of the Armed Forces, regardless of whether they sought an accommodation to any DOD COVID-19 vaccination policy.

LA HB453

Allowing Military Exemptions, Recognizing Individual Concerns About New Shots Act of 2023 or the AMERICANS Act This bill prohibits the Department of Defense (DOD) from issuing any COVID-19 vaccine mandate as a replacement for the rescinded vaccine mandate of August 24, 2021, unless the mandate is expressly authorized by Congress. The bill also provides that DOD must establish an application process for remedies for members of the Armed Forces who were discharged or subject to adverse action under the rescinded mandate. Any administrative discharge of a member on the sole basis of a failure to receive a COVID-19 vaccine must be categorized as an honorable discharge, and DOD is prohibited from taking any adverse action against such a member for that reason. Under the bill, DOD must try to retain unvaccinated members and provide such members with professional development, promotion and leadership opportunities, and consideration equal to that of their peers. Additionally, DOD may only consider the COVID-19 vaccination status of members in making certain decisions (e.g., deployments in countries where it is the law) and must establish a process to provide exemptions to certain members for such decisions. This bill applies to all members of the Armed Forces, regardless of whether they sought an accommodation to any DOD COVID-19 vaccination policy.

LA SJR0127

A RESOLUTION to express support for the Allowing Military Exemptions, Recognizing Individual Concerns About New Shots (AMERICANS) Act of 2023.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.