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Bill

Bill

SB 214

AN ACT CREATING A STATE CAUSE OF ACTION FOR INJURIES RECEIVED OR ILLNESS CAUSED BY VACCINATIONS OR MEDICINAL TREATMENT REQUIRED AS A CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Anne Dauphinais and 2 co-sponsors

Connecticut bill creates state lawsuits against employers for vaccine-related injuries from mandatory workplace medical treatments, shifting liability from manufacturers to employers.

REF. TO JOINT COMM. ON Judiciary
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Bill Summary · SB 214

Legislative bill overview

SB 214 would create a legal right for employees to sue their employers if they suffer injuries or illness from vaccinations or medical treatments mandated as a condition of employment. The bill establishes a state-level cause of action, meaning employees could bring civil lawsuits directly against employers for vaccine-related harms without relying on existing federal protections or employer immunity provisions.

Why is this important

This bill addresses a gap some believe exists in workplace protections: currently, federal law generally shields vaccine manufacturers from liability, and employers have broad authority to set health requirements. This bill would shift liability exposure to employers requiring such treatments, potentially affecting hiring practices and workplace health policies. The outcome could influence how Connecticut employers approach vaccine mandates and occupational health requirements.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope and causation: Determining which illnesses are "caused by" vaccination versus coincidental timing could generate significant litigation disputes and require courts to weigh medical evidence
  • Employer liability vs. public health: Employers may reduce vaccine mandates to avoid lawsuits, potentially affecting disease control in high-risk settings like healthcare facilities and schools
  • Interaction with federal law: The bill may conflict with existing federal immunization protections and CDC authority over workplace health standards, creating legal uncertainty
  • Insurance and economic impact: Employers may face higher insurance costs or difficulty obtaining coverage, potentially passed to workers through other means

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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