NASHVILLE, Tenn. — State lawmakers passed a bill that requires employers to grant exemptions to anyone who provides a supported reason not to get vaccinated for COVID-19 on Thursday.
According to the bill, H.B. 1867, anyone who provides a medical reason supported by a licensed healthcare practitioner or a religious reason must get a vaccine exemption from their employer. Employers will have up to 2 business days to grant or deny the person's exemption.
If they deny a request to be exempt from vaccine requirements, employers must also provide a written explanation and will not be able to require a person to provide proof of religious exemptions to vaccines.
The attorney general will also need to establish a process where violations can be reported. It also specifies that healthcare providers who provide a signed statement for a vaccine exemption cannot be sued for it, and cannot face disciplinary action from health boards for it.
The bill passed the House with a 64-18 vote, and it passed the Senate with a 26-5 vote.