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SENATE 1932117th CongressRead twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.

No Vaccine Passports Act

Last Action
5/27/2021

Actions

  • 2021-05-27Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
  • 2021-05-27Introduced in Senate

CRS Summary

As of 2021-05-27 (00)

No Vaccine Passports Act

This bill restricts collection and disclosure of an individual's vaccination status, including for COVID-19 vaccinations. It also makes it unlawful to discriminate based on COVID-19 vaccination status and to mandate vaccination in certain circumstances.

Specifically, the bill prohibits the use of federal funds to establish or collaborate with federal, state, private, or international systems that track or monitor an individual's COVID-19 vaccination status. Additionally, federal agencies must destroy existing records that contain information about an individual's COVID-19 vaccination status within 30 days. Furthermore, agencies may not issue vaccine passports or similar standardized documentation of COVID-19 vaccination status.

The bill also prohibits discrimination based on COVID-19 vaccination status or willingness to provide documentation of vaccination status in employment, public accommodations, and certain public programs and services. Remedies and enforcement mechanisms available under federal civil rights laws apply to violations under this bill.

In addition, federal privacy standards for health information must prohibit the disclosure of non-anonymized information about the status of any vaccination without a patient's express consent. Moreover, the bill makes anyone who requests an individual's vaccination status subject to these standards.

The bill temporarily bans (1) mandates for vaccines authorized for use under emergency procedures, and (2) administration of those vaccines to minors or individuals who lack capacity to consent to vaccinations without the consent of their parent or guardian. It also prohibits public disclosure of an individual's COVID-19 vaccination status without express, written consent. Violations of these prohibitions are subject to criminal and civil penalties.

Cosponsors (2)

  • Mike Braun (R-IN)
  • Cynthia Lummis (R-WY)

Subjects

  • Administrative law and regulatory procedures
  • Cardiovascular and respiratory health
  • Civil actions and liability
  • Congressional oversight
  • Department of Health and Human Services
  • Disability and health-based discrimination
  • Drug safety, medical device, and laboratory regulation
  • Emergency medical services and trauma care
  • Employment discrimination and employee rights
  • Fraud offenses and financial crimes
  • Government information and archives
  • Health care costs and insurance
  • Health information and medical records
  • Health programs administration and funding
  • Immigration status and procedures
  • Immunology and vaccination
  • Infectious and parasitic diseases
  • Medical tests and diagnostic methods
  • Right of privacy
Read on Congress.gov

Sourced from Congress.gov (public domain).

This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.