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Vaccine Passport Prevention Act of 2021
12/31/2022, 4:59 AM
Summary of Bill HR 4126
Vaccine passports are documents that show proof of vaccination against certain diseases, such as COVID-19. Proponents argue that vaccine passports can help control the spread of infectious diseases and allow for safer travel and public gatherings. However, opponents of vaccine passports argue that they infringe on individual privacy and personal freedoms.
The Vaccine Passport Prevention Act of 2021 aims to prohibit federal agencies from requiring individuals to provide proof of vaccination in order to access federal facilities or services. The bill also prohibits federal funds from being used to develop or implement vaccine passport systems. Supporters of the bill argue that vaccine passports could lead to discrimination against individuals who choose not to get vaccinated for personal or medical reasons. They also argue that vaccine passports could create a two-tiered society where vaccinated individuals have more privileges than those who are not vaccinated. Opponents of the bill argue that vaccine passports are necessary to control the spread of infectious diseases and protect public health. They argue that vaccine passports can help businesses and organizations safely reopen and resume normal operations. Overall, the Vaccine Passport Prevention Act of 2021 is a controversial piece of legislation that highlights the ongoing debate over the use of vaccine passports in the United States. It will be interesting to see how this bill progresses through Congress and what impact it may have on public health policy in the future.
Congressional Summary of HR 4126
Vaccine Passport Prevention Act of 2021
This bill generally prohibits governments from issuing vaccine passports (i.e., standard documentation other than health records to certify an individual's COVID-19 vaccination status to a third party) and discrimination based on an individual's COVID-19 vaccination status or post-transmission recovery.
Specifically, the federal government may not issue any vaccine passport or discriminate based on an individual's COVID-19 vaccination or recovery status by requiring documentation of the status as a condition of receiving a benefit or service. In addition, the federal government (except for the Department of Defense) may not mandate COVID-19 vaccines as a condition of federal employment.
Furthermore, the bill prohibits, as a condition of receiving certain COVID-19 relief funds, states, tribal nations, and localities from issuing vaccine passports or engaging in discrimination by requiring documentation of an individual's COVID-19 vaccination or recovery status.
Additionally, the bill prohibits private entities that offer products or services affecting interstate commerce from requiring documentation of an individual's COVID-19 vaccination or recovery status in order to obtain a product or service. It also establishes a private right of action for individuals who experience such discrimination by private entities.
The bill also provides an exception to allow kindergartens, elementary and secondary schools, and institutions of higher education to mandate COVID-19 vaccines as a condition of enrollment. However, the Department of Education may not award financial assistance to any school that requires COVID-19 vaccines without also providing for exemptions based on (1) religious or conscientious beliefs, (2) medical reasons, and (3) natural immunity from COVID-19.
