Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress Senate Bill SB181

Introduced
1/31/23  

Caption

No Vaccine Passports Act

Impact

The proposed legislation would revoke the authority of federal and state entities to create or facilitate vaccine passport systems, thereby bolstering individual autonomy over medical decisions. Furthermore, it mandates that no public or private entity may discriminate against individuals based on their vaccination status in accessing goods, services, or employment opportunities. This shift represents a significant alteration in how public health policy interfaces with individual rights, particularly in the context of post-pandemic recovery strategies.

Summary

SB181, titled the 'No Vaccine Passports Act,' aims to protect individual liberties by prohibiting discrimination based on vaccination status. The bill specifically addresses the rise of vaccine passports and mandates that emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic, asserting that individuals should not be coerced into receiving vaccinations through the imposition of such passports or similar documentation. It seeks to elevate personal privacy rights, ensuring that individuals' vaccination records remain confidential unless explicit consent is provided.

Contention

While proponents of SB181 argue that it defends personal freedoms and prevents governmental overreach into private health matters, critics caution that such measures could undermine public health initiatives by discouraging vaccinations. There are concerns regarding the potential for increased discrimination against individuals who may not be vaccinated due to health issues or personal beliefs, highlighting a civic tension between public health safety and individual liberties. Discussions surrounding this bill reveal a broader societal debate about the balance of government authority and personal choice.

Companion Bills

US HB118

Related No Vaccine Passports Act This bill prohibits certain actions related to vaccine passports and proof of COVID-19 vaccination. Specifically, a federal agency may not issue a vaccine passport, vaccine pass, or other standardized documentation for the purpose of certifying the COVID-19 vaccination status of a U.S. citizen to a third party, or otherwise publish or share any COVID-19 vaccination record of a U.S. citizen or similar health information. Additionally, proof of COVID-19 vaccination shall not be required to access federal or congressional property or services.

US SB167

Related No Vaccine Mandates Act of 2023

Previously Filed As

US HB118

No Vaccine Passports Act This bill prohibits certain actions related to vaccine passports and proof of COVID-19 vaccination. Specifically, a federal agency may not issue a vaccine passport, vaccine pass, or other standardized documentation for the purpose of certifying the COVID-19 vaccination status of a U.S. citizen to a third party, or otherwise publish or share any COVID-19 vaccination record of a U.S. citizen or similar health information. Additionally, proof of COVID-19 vaccination shall not be required to access federal or congressional property or services.

US HB0121

Ban on COVID-19 vaccine passports.

US SB2754

HHS COVID–19 Origin Transparency Act of 2023

US HB772

Vaccine Passport Prevention Act of 2023

US HB5379

HHS COVID–19 Origin Transparency Act of 2023

US HB2623

Antidiscrimination; vaccination status; immunity passports

US HB0060

Vaccine Passport Amendments

US HB0131

Vaccine Passport Prohibition

US SB1603

Maternal Vaccinations Act

US HB271

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.

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Air Carrier Access Amendments Act of 2023

US HB697

Justice for All Act of 2023

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Equality Act This bill prohibits discrimination based on sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity with respect to businesses, employment, housing, federally funded programs, and other settings. Specifically, the bill expands Title II and Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to prohibit public accommodations and federally funded programs, respectively, from discriminating based on sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity. It also includes stores, transit services, recreational facilities, and establishments that provide health care, accounting, or legal services as public accommodations under Title II. The bill also expands Title IV (desegregation of public schools) and Title VII (employment discrimination) to specifically include sexual orientation and gender identity. (The Supreme Court held in Bostock v. Clayton County that Title VII's prohibition of employment discrimination based on sex also prohibits employment discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.) The bill similarly expands the Fair Housing Act (discrimination in public and private housing) to include sexual orientation and gender identity. It also prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity by creditors and with respect to jury selection. The bill defines sex for purposes of the aforementioned provisions to include sex stereotypes, pregnancy, childbirth, sexual orientation, gender identity, and sex characteristics.

US SB5

Equality Act This bill prohibits discrimination based on sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity with respect to businesses, employment, housing, federally funded programs, and other settings. Specifically, the bill expands Title II and Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to prohibit public accommodations and federally funded programs, respectively, from discriminating based on sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity. It also includes stores, transit services, recreational facilities, and establishments that provide health care, accounting, or legal services as public accommodations under Title II. The bill also expands Title IV (desegregation of public schools) and Title VII (employment discrimination) to specifically include sexual orientation and gender identity. (The Supreme Court held in Bostock v. Clayton County that Title VII's prohibition of employment discrimination based on sex also prohibits employment discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.) The bill similarly expands the Fair Housing Act (discrimination in public and private housing) to include sexual orientation and gender identity. It also prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity by creditors and with respect to jury selection. The bill defines sex for purposes of the aforementioned provisions to include sex stereotypes, pregnancy, childbirth, sexual orientation, gender identity, and sex characteristics.

US SB1924

GLOBE Act of 2023 Greater Leadership Overseas for the Benefit of Equality Act of 2023

US SB2785

Higher Wages for American Workers Act of 2023

US HB4050

GLOBE Act of 2023 Greater Leadership Overseas for the Benefit of Equality Act of 2023