Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress House Bill HB403

Introduced
1/20/23  
Refer
1/20/23  

Caption

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.

Impact

The reformation of these federal vaccination mandates represents a significant shift in public health policy. By stopping agencies from enforcing vaccination as a requirement, the bill may limit the federal government's ability to implement health and safety protocols designed to combat outbreaks of infectious diseases. Furthermore, this legislation might induce states and local authorities to reconsider their own vaccination policies and mandates, potentially leading to a more fragmented public health landscape across the country.

Summary

House Bill 403, known as the 'No Mandates Act', seeks to prohibit federal agencies from implementing any requirements for individuals to receive COVID-19 vaccinations. The bill outlines clear limitations on the authority of federal agencies and entities that receive federal funding, emphasizing that no individual should be mandated to get vaccinated as a condition for accessing federal properties, services, or for receiving services from federally funded entities. The intention behind this legislation is to alleviate concerns regarding personal choice and governmental overreach in health-related mandates.

Contention

The 'No Mandates Act' is likely to spark considerable debate among policymakers and public health advocates. Proponents of the bill argue that it reinforces personal freedom and the autonomy of individuals to make their own health decisions without coercion from the government. However, opponents may raise concerns regarding public health implications, arguing that such policies could facilitate the spread of COVID-19, especially in vulnerable populations. The discourse surrounding the bill reflects a broader national conversation about individual rights versus collective safety in the context of ongoing health crises.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

US HB117

This bill prohibits any entity that receives specified COVID-19 relief funds from mandating COVID-19 vaccines for its employees. An entity that violates this prohibition must return the funding it received.

US HB19

To prohibit any entity that receives Federal funds from the COVID relief packages from mandating employees receive a COVID-19 vaccine, and for other purposes.

US HB118

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.

US HB121

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.

US HB74

This bill prohibits the use of federal funds to implement or enforce mandates that require individuals to wear face coverings or receive vaccinations to prevent the spread of COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019). The bill provides for an exception that applies in health care settings.

US HB72

This bill prohibits the use of federal funds to maintain a database or collect information that can be used to identify an individual's COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) vaccination status.

US HB119

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.

US HB79

Freedom from Mandates ActThis 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.

US 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.

US HB1451

Vaccinations; prohibit state and local agencies and officials from mandating COVID-19 vaccinations.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.