The Senate passed SB 7 (relating to prohibiting a private employer from adopting or enforcing certain COVID-19 vaccine mandates) this week. Both bills as amended will now move on to the House for further consideration.
SB 7 (Middleton) Relating to prohibiting a private employer from adopting or enforcing certain COVID-19 vaccine mandates; authorizing an administrative penalty.
The bill would:
- SB 7 would prohibit private employers from taking adverse action against an employee who refuses a COVID-19 vaccination
- Administrative penalties could be assessed through the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) and actions for an injunction could be brought by the Attorney General’s Office
The following amendments were adopted onto the bill:
- FA 1 Middleton – Health care facilities can take PPE precautions in consideration of patients, allows TWC to recoup investigative costs, modifies the administrative penalty to be up to $10k, and clarifies severability clause
- FA 4 Middleton to FA 1 – Established a PPE exemption for hospitals
- FA 3 Middleton – Adds language on “private employers” to conform to the Governor’s call
- FA 5 Kolkhorst – Adds requirement for TWC to consult with DSHS in evaluating infectious disease policies at health care facilities