Alabama Bill Aims to Protect Against Discrimination Linked to Vaccines and Masks
The Alabama Legislature is set to revisit a bill in the 2026 session that seeks to shield individuals from discrimination for opting not to wear face masks or receive vaccinations. This newly introduced measure, known as House Bill 12, is backed by State Legislators Ernie Yarbra, R. Tolety, along with eight other Republican sponsors from the House.
The previous iteration of the bill, labeled Alabama’s Right to Reject Conscientious Rights, emphasized “reasons of conscience” as grounds for these protections pertaining to vaccines, masks, or medications. HB12 expands on this by defining workplace discrimination as actions like firing, denying employment, promoting, harassment, or any unfavorable treatment regarding compensation and benefits. The bill references public accommodation definitions from the Title III of the Persons with Disabilities Act.
This legislation aims to ensure that public accommodations do not hinder a person’s “complete and equal enjoyment” of various services or privileges. Notably, it seeks to prevent hospitals and health insurance companies from exhibiting “adverse behavior” toward individuals based on their choices regarding biological products, including masks and vaccines.
Moreover, HB12 extends protections to minors based on their parents’ or guardians’ choices against certain medical services or products for reasons of conscience.
Importantly, the bill clarifies that these restrictions won’t obstruct medical professionals from needing to wear surgical masks during procedures.
Furthermore, it prohibits the Occupational License Committee from denying, revoking, or refusing to renew licenses based on an individual’s vaccination status. Individuals who feel discriminated against for not vaccinating or for refusing to wear masks would have the ability to seek legal remedies, such as permanent or provisional injunctions.
The Alabama Attorney General would also have the authority to pursue civil action against any employer, public facility, or healthcare provider in violation of this law. The Attorney General can represent entities facing federal penalties due to compliance issues related to this bill.
A version of this bill was first submitted in the previous legislative session but failed to progress past the House Health Committee. The 2023 version, called the Alabama Health Freedom Act, had similar intentions but was not approved either. Yarbra emphasized that free-market principles don’t allow employers to control their employees’ bodies or conscience, stating that this legislation is vital for protecting personal health freedoms.
The representative indicated that the reintroduction of the bill was influenced by issues surrounding the COVID mandates, mentioning instances where nursing staff were let go for refusing vaccinations. If passed, HB12 is projected to take effect on June 1, 2026.
