New Jersey Senate Bill S316

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/11/22
• Refer: 1/11/22

Caption

Requires students, staff, and others present at institutions of higher education to receive COVID-19 vaccine.

Impact

The enactment of S316 will significantly influence public health policy in educational settings across New Jersey. By requiring vaccinations, the bill aims to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 within institutions of higher learning, potentially leading to safer campus environments. The law’s implementation may result in pressure on institutions to ensure compliance while also managing the vaccination logistics to facilitate access for all eligible students and staff. This requirement could also inspire similar legislation in other states as institutions respond to the ongoing challenges of the pandemic.

Summary

Senate Bill S316 mandates that students, staff, and any individuals present at public and private institutions of higher education in New Jersey must receive a vaccination against COVID-19 as a prerequisite for in-person enrollment, attendance, employment, or service provision. The bill specifies that this requirement will take effect starting with the 2021-2022 academic school year. Institutions are prohibited from enrolling or retaining individuals for in-person roles unless they have provided acceptable proof of vaccination as defined by the state's health regulations.

Contention

Opposition to S316 arises primarily from concerns regarding personal freedoms and medical autonomy. Some groups argue that mandatory vaccination could infringe upon individual rights, particularly for those with medical conditions that preclude vaccination or philosophical or religious beliefs against it. The bill does allow for certain exemptions, such as medical and religious, but critics worry that these provisions may not comprehensively cover all valid concerns, especially for those who may have general moral objections. Discussions around the bill highlight a fundamental tension between public health objectives and personal freedoms.