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A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
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AN ACT
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relating to COVID-19 vaccine mandates and the application of |
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COVID-19 vaccine exemptions to certain employees. |
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BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: |
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SECTION 1. Subchapter A, Chapter 161, Health and Safety |
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Code, is amended by adding Section 161.0015 to read as follows: |
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Sec. 161.0015. COVID-19 VACCINE MANDATES AND EXEMPTIONS. |
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(a) In this section, "governmental entity" means this state, a |
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local government entity as defined by Section 418.004, Government |
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Code, or an agency of this state or a local government entity. |
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(b) A governmental entity may not implement, order, or |
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otherwise impose a mandate requiring an individual, other than an |
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employee of the governmental entity, to be vaccinated against |
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COVID-19. |
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(c) A governmental entity shall not deny an employee of the |
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governmental entity an exemption from a required COVID-19 |
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vaccination based on a medical condition or reasons of conscience, |
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including a religious belief. |
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(d) An individual or employee who is the subject of a |
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violation of Subsection (b) or (c), as applicable, may bring an |
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action in a district court in the county in which the violation |
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occurred for injunctive relief to prevent further violation of the |
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applicable subsection. |
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(e) A claimant may recover reasonable expenses incurred in |
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bringing an action under Subsection (d), including court costs, |
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attorney's fees, investigation costs, witness fees, and deposition |
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expenses. |
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SECTION 2. Section 161.0015, Health and Safety Code, as |
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added by this Act, applies only to conduct that occurs on or after |
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the effective date of this Act. |
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SECTION 3. This Act takes effect January 1, 2022. |