The law goes into effect February 6th, 2024.Įmployers cannot take an "adverse action" against unvaccinated employees, contractors, or applicants. These restrictions are in Senate Bill 7, which adds Chapter 81D to the Texas Health & Safety Code. This law covers employees, contractors, and applicants. Texas LawsĬan my employer require me to get a COVID-19 vaccine?Ī new law prohibits private employers from adopting or enforcing COVID-19 vaccine mandates. Prior to the new law, Governor Abbott's 2021 Executive Order GA-40 also broadly prohibited vaccine mandates. This new final rule went into effect in August of 2023. The final rule referenced here was rescinded by another rule that removes the vaccine requirements for these types of workers. The law also states that the prohibition does not apply if it conflicts with the final rule adopted by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) requiring healthcare workers and staff members to be vaccinated against COVID-19. Section 81B.003 prohibits state and local government entities from requiring vaccines: (a) Except as provided by Subsection (b), a governmental entity may not implement, order, or otherwise impose a mandate requiring a person to be vaccinated against COVID-19. The new law became effective September 1st, 2023.
Prohibitions on COVID-19 mandates for masks, vaccines, and closures were passed during the 88th Regular Session. These restrictions were in Senate Bill 29, which added Chapter 81B to the Texas Health & Safety Code. Search library website find library books hide navigation menu