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.
If passed, HB 271 would significantly alter existing laws regarding employment and civil rights related to the COVID-19 vaccination. By incorporating vaccination status as a protected category under the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the bill aims to prevent employers and service providers from imposing penalties on individuals based solely on their refusal to be vaccinated. This could lead to profound changes in how businesses and government agencies approach vaccination policies, potentially increasing civil liberties for those who oppose vaccination mandates.
House Bill 271, titled the 'Restoring Normalcy in America Act', seeks to provide civil rights and employment protections for individuals who refuse to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. The bill prohibits discrimination based on vaccination status in public accommodations and federally assisted programs, as well as in employment settings. Employers are forbidden from discriminating against individuals on these grounds, which includes actions related to hiring, compensation, and advancement. Additionally, it mandates the reinstatement of military personnel and federal employees who were discharged due to their vaccine refusal, removing any adverse records associated with their discharge.
The bill has faced substantial debate, as proponents argue that it defends personal choice and protects workers from discrimination. Critics, however, raise concerns that it may undermine public health efforts and allow dangerous precedents in employment practices. The provision that terminates the authority of the FDA to authorize COVID-19 vaccines under emergency procedures is particularly contentious, sparking fears that it could impede future pandemic responses. Overall, the interplay between public health and individual rights is at the forefront of the discussion around HB 271.