No Vaccine Passports Act This bill prohibits certain actions related to vaccine passports and proof of COVID-19 vaccination. Specifically, a federal agency may not issue a vaccine passport, vaccine pass, or other standardized documentation for the purpose of certifying the COVID-19 vaccination status of a U.S. citizen to a third party, or otherwise publish or share any COVID-19 vaccination record of a U.S. citizen or similar health information. Additionally, proof of COVID-19 vaccination shall not be required to access federal or congressional property or services.
Impact
If passed, HB 118 would significantly affect the way health information, specifically regarding COVID-19 vaccinations, is managed and shared at a federal level. The prohibition on agencies requiring proof of vaccination for entry to federal properties or accessing federal services establishes a crucial precedent for personal freedoms and limits governmental authority in mandating health-related documentation. The bill seeks to ensure that the vaccination status of citizens does not become a barrier to accessing government services or facilities, promoting an environment without coercive health mandates.
Summary
House Bill 118, titled the 'No Vaccine Passports Act', aims to prohibit federal agencies from issuing any type of vaccine passport or similar documentation that certifies the COVID-19 vaccination status of U.S. citizens. The bill specifies that no federal agency is allowed to produce or share vaccination records to third parties, emphasizing privacy and personal health information protection. This legislative measure is particularly relevant in the current climate of public health discussions surrounding citizens' rights and government mandates regarding vaccination status.
Contention
There may be notable contention surrounding HB 118, particularly from public health advocates who argue that vaccine passports can enhance safety during health crises. Opponents of the bill may voice concerns regarding potential negative impacts on public health initiatives, questioning how the absence of vaccination proof could affect the management of public spaces during pandemics. Conversely, supporters believe that the bill enhances individual freedoms by preventing government overreach into personal health decisions. The discussions surrounding this bill may reflect broader societal debates on privacy, health rights, and the state's role in public health.
No Vaccine Passports Act This bill prohibits certain actions related to vaccine passports and proof of COVID-19 vaccination. Specifically, a federal agency may not issue a vaccine passport, vaccine pass, or other standardized documentation for the purpose of certifying the COVID-19 vaccination status of a U.S. citizen to a third party, or otherwise publish or share any COVID-19 vaccination record of a U.S. citizen or similar health information. Additionally, proof of COVID-19 vaccination shall not be required to access federal or congressional property or services.
No Mandates Act This bill prohibits federal agencies and certain entities that receive federal funding from requiring COVID-19 vaccinations. Specifically, federal agencies may not issue rules, regulations, or guidance that require an individual to receive a COVID-19 vaccination. The bill also prohibits requiring a COVID-19 vaccination to access federal property and services or congressional grounds and services. Additionally, an entity that received federal COVID-19 relief funds or receives other federal funds after this bill's enactment may not require a COVID-19 vaccination as a condition of providing any service to an individual.
Freedom from Mandates Act This bill nullifies certain executive orders regarding COVID-19 safety and prohibits the Departments of Labor and Health and Human Services (HHS) from taking specified actions with respect to vaccination against COVID-19. Specifically, the bill nullifies Executive Order 14042 (relating to ensuring adequate COVID-19 safety protocols for federal contractors) and Executive Order 14043 (requiring COVID-19 vaccination for federal employees). Labor may not issue any rule requiring employers to mandate vaccination of employees against COVID-19 or requiring testing of employees who are unvaccinated. HHS may not (1) require a health care provider, as a condition of participation in the Medicare or Medicaid program, to mandate vaccination of employees against COVID-19 or require testing of employees who are unvaccinated; or (2) otherwise penalize such a provider for failure to mandate such vaccination or require such testing.