Vaccinations and immunizations; requiring a certification of disclosure exemption be provided. Emergency.
The bill primarily impacts laws regarding discrimination in employment, specifically concerning the disclosure of vaccination or immunization statuses. By codifying the right of employees to keep their vaccination status private, it aims to prevent employers from enforcing mandatory disclosures that could be considered an invasion of privacy. As a result, employers are restricted in how they can govern vaccination requirements, and the law adds a layer of protection for employees that could redefine workplace policies regarding health disclosures.
Senate Bill 115, known as the Privacy and Conscience Protection Act, modifies existing Oklahoma laws related to vaccination and immunization requirements for employees. It establishes a framework wherein public and private employers in Oklahoma must allow employees or contractors to refuse to disclose their vaccination status for COVID-19 and its variants. The bill mandates that employers provide a certification of disclosure exemption, which the employee must submit if they choose to exercise this right. This act emerges from ongoing concerns about medical privacy and individual rights amid the various vaccination mandates linked to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Notable points of contention surrounding SB115 include debates over employers' ability to ensure workplace safety against the backdrop of public health concerns. Proponents of the bill argue that it preserves individual rights and freedoms, especially regarding personal medical choices. Conversely, opponents voice concerns that such legislation may hamper employers' efforts to protect employees and the wider community from COVID-19. The enforcement mechanisms include penalties for violations, raising further discussions about the implications of noncompliance and the potential for legal disputes between employers and employees.