Oklahoma Senate Bill SB628

Oklahoma 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/6/23
• Refer: 2/7/23

Caption

Conditions of employment; prohibiting certain vaccinations and medications as a condition of continued employment. Emergency.

Impact

If enacted, SB628 would explicitly alter existing labor laws, specifically within Title 40 of the Oklahoma Statutes. By preventing employers from enforcing vaccination mandates related to COVID-19 for vaccinations that fall under specific FDA approval criteria, the bill would legally limit employer enforcement of health-related employment conditions. This change could potentially allow employees greater autonomy in deciding whether to receive vaccinations, thereby affecting workplace health policies, particularly in industries where such mandates were previously in place to ensure public health and safety.

Summary

Senate Bill 628, known as the Grandfathered Clause Act, seeks to amend the conditions under which vaccinations and medical examinations can be mandated by employers in Oklahoma. The bill prohibits any person or entity from requiring employees to undergo physical or medical examinations without covering the costs for such evaluations. Additionally, it prohibits mandating vaccinations or medications for COVID-19 and its variants that have been approved by the FDA under expedited measures or less than five years. This provision is significant given the ongoing discussions surrounding COVID-19 vaccinations in the employment sector.

Contention

The introduction of SB628 has provoked notable opposition and support among various stakeholder groups. Proponents argue that the bill is essential for preserving individual rights and preventing coercion in health matters related to employment. They contend that workers should not be compelled to take vaccines that have not been fully vetted over an extended period. Conversely, opponents raise concerns that the legislation undermines public health measures and could impede efforts to manage the pandemic in workplaces effectively. This conflict ultimately highlights a broader societal debate over personal rights versus communal health responsibilities.