2022 -- H 7321 | |
======== | |
LC004322 | |
======== | |
STATE OF RHODE ISLAND | |
IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY | |
JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2022 | |
____________ | |
A N A C T | |
RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY - COVID-19 VACCINATION NOT REQUIRED | |
FOR ACCESS TO STATE OR PRIVATE BUSINESSES ACT | |
| |
Introduced By: Representatives Place, Chippendale, Quattrocchi, and Price | |
Date Introduced: February 02, 2022 | |
Referred To: House State Government & Elections | |
It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows: | |
1 | SECTION 1. Title 23 of the General Laws entitled "HEALTH AND SAFETY" is hereby |
2 | amended by adding thereto the following chapter: |
3 | CHAPTER 97 |
4 | COVID-19 VACCINATION NOT REQUIRED FOR ACCESS TO STATE OR PRIVATE |
5 | BUSINESSES ACT |
6 | 23-97-1. Findings. |
7 | The general assembly finds: |
8 | (1) That on January 30, 2020, the World Health Organization designated the novel |
9 | coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak as a public health emergency of international concern. |
10 | (2) On March 9, 2020, the governor of the State of Rhode Island issued a declaration of |
11 | emergency and over the course of several months issued numerous continuations of that declaration |
12 | of emergency. |
13 | (3) The declaration of emergency ordered the closure of businesses, parks, and even private |
14 | businesses, with the result of restricting the populace's freedoms. |
15 | (4) The legislature finds that the re-opening of businesses is vital to the state's economy |
16 | and that access to said businesses, and public buildings, is paramount to a free society and the re- |
17 | normalization of human interaction. |
18 | (5) The legislature further finds that every citizen of the State of Rhode Island is protected |
| |
1 | and has the right to confidentiality of their health care records pursuant to chapter 37.3 of title 5. |
2 | (6) Additionally, each and every citizen is protected by the United States Constitution and |
3 | the Constitution of Rhode Island to make their own health care decisions. Decisions that have been |
4 | upheld and reaffirmed by our United States Supreme Court and the supreme court of the State of |
5 | Rhode Island. |
6 | 23-97-2. Access to public buildings and private enterprises not to be denied. |
7 | (a) Neither the state, nor any of its agencies, nor any city or town or any political |
8 | subdivisions, nor any organization that receives funding, tax incentives or subsidies from the state, |
9 | its agencies or political subdivisions, shall require proof of a COVID-19 vaccination before |
10 | allowing entry of any individual into their building, business, or on their premises, whether inside |
11 | or outside, or for any other purpose unless such requirements for other vaccines were in common |
12 | practice prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, and the vaccine has received full approval for use from |
13 | the FDA. |
14 | (b) The director of the department of business regulation and the licensing authorities of |
15 | the several cities and towns are hereby authorized to deny or revoke any business operating license |
16 | to any business violating this chapter. |
17 | (c) Nothing contained herein prevents a person denied access to any public building or |
18 | private business covered under this section from seeking civil damages and injunctive relief against |
19 | any public or private business that violates this chapter. |
20 | SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage. |
======== | |
LC004322 | |
======== | |
| LC004322 - Page 2 of 3 |
EXPLANATION | |
BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL | |
OF | |
A N A C T | |
RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY - COVID-19 VACCINATION NOT REQUIRED | |
FOR ACCESS TO STATE OR PRIVATE BUSINESSES ACT | |
*** | |
1 | This act would prohibit state, municipal agencies and any political subdivisions thereof and |
2 | private businesses from requiring proof of a COVID-19 vaccine before permitting any individual |
3 | from entering the building or business unless that business precluded access due to other vaccines |
4 | in common practice prior to the COVID-19 pandemic and such vaccines have received approval |
5 | for use from the FDA. Licensing authorities would be permitted to deny and/or revoke business |
6 | operating licenses of violators. |
7 | This act would take effect upon passage. |
======== | |
LC004322 | |
======== | |
| LC004322 - Page 3 of 3 |