87S30227 JG-D
By: Howard H.B. No. 98
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the authority of a business to implement certain
communicable disease prevention and control policies.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Subchapter A, Chapter 81, Health and Safety
Code, is amended by adding Section 81.018 to read as follows:
Sec. 81.018. AUTHORITY OF BUSINESS TO IMPLEMENT CERTAIN
COMMUNICABLE DISEASE PREVENTION AND CONTROL POLICIES. (a) In this
section, "COVID-19" means the 2019 novel coronavirus disease.
(b) Notwithstanding any other law, a business in this state
may implement a policy that requires an individual to wear a face
mask or covering or to provide proof of vaccination or immunization
against a particular communicable disease, including COVID-19, for
the individual to obtain a service provided by or gain access to an
establishment owned or operated by the business.
(c) A state agency may not suspend or revoke a business's
license, permit, or other state authorization necessary for
conducting business in this state or take any other disciplinary
action against a business for implementing a policy described by
Subsection (b).
SECTION 2. Sections 161.0085(c) and (d), Health and Safety
Code, are repealed.
SECTION 3. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives
a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as
provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this
Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this
Act takes effect on the 91st day after the last day of the
legislative session.