Bill Text: TX HB155 | 2021 | 87th Legislature 3rd Special Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Relating to exemptions from COVID-19 vaccine requirements.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 31-0)
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2021-10-13 - Left pending in committee [HB155 Detail]
Download: Texas-2021-HB155-Introduced.html
87S30799 JG-D | ||
By: Oliverson | H.B. No. 155 |
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relating to exemptions from COVID-19 vaccine requirements. | ||
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: | ||
SECTION 1. Subchapter A, Chapter 161, Health and Safety | ||
Code, is amended by adding Section 161.0086 to read as follows: | ||
Sec. 161.0086. EXEMPTIONS FROM COVID-19 VACCINE | ||
REQUIREMENTS. (a) In this section, "COVID-19" means the 2019 novel | ||
coronavirus disease. | ||
(b) Subject to Section 161.0085 and notwithstanding any | ||
other law, any law, policy, or other measure requiring an | ||
individual in this state to be vaccinated against COVID-19 to enter | ||
or gain access to, receive a service from, or be employed by an | ||
establishment must allow the individual to claim an exemption from | ||
the vaccination requirement based on: | ||
(1) the individual's acquired immunity against | ||
COVID-19 through post-transmission recovery; | ||
(2) a medical condition; or | ||
(3) reasons of conscience, including a religious | ||
belief. | ||
(c) An employee of an establishment who is the subject of a | ||
violation of Subsection (b) may bring an action in a district court | ||
in the county in which the violation occurred for injunctive or | ||
equitable relief or for compensatory or punitive damages in the | ||
manner prescribed under Subchapter F, Chapter 21, Labor Code, for a | ||
violation of that chapter as if the establishment engaged in a | ||
discriminatory or unlawful employment practice to which a | ||
complainant is entitled to relief under that chapter. | ||
(d) A complainant may recover reasonable expenses incurred | ||
in bringing an action under Subsection (c), including court costs, | ||
attorney's fees, investigation costs, witness fees, and deposition | ||
expenses. | ||
SECTION 2. Section 161.0086, Health and Safety Code, as | ||
added by this Act, applies only to conduct that occurs on or after | ||
the effective date of this Act. | ||
SECTION 3. This Act takes effect February 1, 2022. |