Summary of HR 119: Prohibition of COVID-19 Vaccine Mandates for Federal Fund Recipients

Bill Overview

Bill Number: HR 119

Title: To prohibit any entity that receives Federal funds from the COVID relief packages from mandating employees receive a COVID-19 vaccine, and for other purposes.

Introduced: January 03, 2025

Status: Introduced in House

Primary Sponsor: Andy Biggs

Purpose and Intent

The primary intent of HR 119 is to prevent any entity that has received federal funding through specified COVID-19 relief packages from imposing a mandate requiring its employees to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. This bill seeks to protect individual choice regarding vaccination status among employees of these entities.

Key Provisions

1. Prohibition on Mandates:

   • Any entity that receives federal funds from a COVID relief package is prohibited from mandating that employees receive a COVID-19 vaccine.

2. Consequences for Non-Compliance:

   • Entities found in violation of this prohibition must return any federal funds received from the COVID relief packages.

3. Definition of COVID Relief Packages:

   • The bill specifies that "COVID relief package" includes the following legislation:
     • CARES Act (Public Law 116–136)
     • Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2020 (Public Law 116–123)
     • Families First Coronavirus Response Act (Public Law 116–127)
     • Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act (Public Law 116–139)
     • Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (Public Law 116–260)
     • American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (Public Law 117–2)

Impact

• Entities Affected: This bill would impact a wide range of organizations that have received federal COVID relief funds, including businesses, non-profits, and educational institutions.
• Employee Rights: The legislation aims to enhance employee autonomy regarding vaccination decisions, potentially influencing workplace policies across various sectors.

Legislative Process

• On January 3, 2025, HR 119 was referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform and the Committee on Energy and Commerce for consideration. The timeline for further action will be determined by the Speaker of the House.

Conclusion

HR 119 seeks to establish a clear prohibition against vaccine mandates for employees of entities receiving federal COVID relief funds, emphasizing individual choice in vaccination. The bill is currently under consideration in the House of Representatives.