Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress Senate Bill SB171

Introduced
1/31/23  

Caption

Ending Discrimination in COVID–19 Treatments Act

Impact

The bill mandates that states, local governmental entities, and private entities must ensure that eligibility determinations for COVID-19 treatments and vaccines exclude these characteristics if they wish to continue receiving federal support. This requirement could lead to significant changes in how health departments and healthcare providers establish criteria for vaccine distribution and treatment availability, with a focus on prioritizing fair access and minimizing disparities among different population groups.

Summary

SB171, known as the "Ending Discrimination in COVID-19 Treatments Act," is a legislative bill aimed at prohibiting the consideration of various personal characteristics, such as race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, vaccination status, veteran status, or political ideology in determining eligibility for COVID-19 treatments and vaccines distributed by the Federal Government. This legislation seeks to promote equitable access to healthcare during the ongoing pandemic and to address concerns about potential biases in the allocation of medical resources.

Contention

One notable point of contention surrounding SB171 involves the broader implications of limiting eligibility criteria. While proponents argue that the bill is a necessary measure to safeguard against discrimination in healthcare, critics may express concerns that such legislation could impede efforts to address specific health disparities faced by marginalized communities. The bill raises important debates over the balance between equitable access and the allocation of resources that may be tailored to high-risk or vulnerable populations.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

US HB271

Restoring Normalcy in America Act This bill provides civil rights and employment protections for individuals based on their refusal to receive a COVID-19 vaccine and addresses other matters concerning the COVID-19 pandemic. Specifically, the bill prohibits discrimination in places of public accommodation and in federally assisted programs based on an individual's COVID-19 vaccine refusal. In addition, the bill prohibits employers from discriminating against such individuals, including discrimination related to hiring, compensation, advancement, or other employment opportunities. Further, the bill makes it unlawful for an employer to fail to offer any employee who was discharged for a COVID-19 vaccine refusal a position at an equal level and rate of pay to the position the employee held prior to discharge. In particular, the bill provides for the reinstatement of any member of the Armed Forces or federal employee who was involuntarily separated because of a COVID-19 vaccine refusal at the request of an affected individual. Any adverse action related to a COVID-19 vaccine refusal must be removed from an affected individual's military record or personnel file. Additionally, the bill (1) terminates the authority of the Food and Drug Administration to authorize under emergency procedures any drugs, biological products, or devices to prevent or treat COVID-19; and (2) requires the Department of Health and Human Services to study the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines and treatments, preparedness for future pandemics, and related matters. The Government Accountability Office must also audit certain federal funding for COVID-19 activities and programs.

US SB801

CARE for Long COVID Act Comprehensive Access to Resources and Education for Long COVID Act

US SB5

Equality Act This bill prohibits discrimination based on sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity with respect to businesses, employment, housing, federally funded programs, and other settings. Specifically, the bill expands Title II and Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to prohibit public accommodations and federally funded programs, respectively, from discriminating based on sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity. It also includes stores, transit services, recreational facilities, and establishments that provide health care, accounting, or legal services as public accommodations under Title II. The bill also expands Title IV (desegregation of public schools) and Title VII (employment discrimination) to specifically include sexual orientation and gender identity. (The Supreme Court held in Bostock v. Clayton County that Title VII's prohibition of employment discrimination based on sex also prohibits employment discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.) The bill similarly expands the Fair Housing Act (discrimination in public and private housing) to include sexual orientation and gender identity. It also prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity by creditors and with respect to jury selection. The bill defines sex for purposes of the aforementioned provisions to include sex stereotypes, pregnancy, childbirth, sexual orientation, gender identity, and sex characteristics.

US HB15

Equality Act This bill prohibits discrimination based on sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity with respect to businesses, employment, housing, federally funded programs, and other settings. Specifically, the bill expands Title II and Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to prohibit public accommodations and federally funded programs, respectively, from discriminating based on sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity. It also includes stores, transit services, recreational facilities, and establishments that provide health care, accounting, or legal services as public accommodations under Title II. The bill also expands Title IV (desegregation of public schools) and Title VII (employment discrimination) to specifically include sexual orientation and gender identity. (The Supreme Court held in Bostock v. Clayton County that Title VII's prohibition of employment discrimination based on sex also prohibits employment discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.) The bill similarly expands the Fair Housing Act (discrimination in public and private housing) to include sexual orientation and gender identity. It also prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity by creditors and with respect to jury selection. The bill defines sex for purposes of the aforementioned provisions to include sex stereotypes, pregnancy, childbirth, sexual orientation, gender identity, and sex characteristics.

US SB1030

Protecting Older Workers Against Discrimination Act

US HB1808

Ensuring Military Readiness Not Discrimination Act

US HB3880

PAID Act Prohibit Auto Insurance Discrimination Act

US SB1408

Ending Forced Arbitration of Race Discrimination Act of 2023

US HB3038

Ending Forced Arbitration of Race Discrimination Act of 2023

US HB697

Justice for All Act of 2023

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.