Since 2020, the Right to Refuse project has kept folks up to date on new laws designed to protect our ability to choose whether or not to receive a medical intervention. In this time, we have reviewed over 3,000 bills and tracked 1,078 which would protect our rights. To date, 29 states have passed 75 Right to Refuse bills into law.

Here is a recap of the 15 bills that have passed into law this year!

Broad Right to Refuse Protections

Florida SB252
Businesses and government entities may not require COVID-19 testing for services or employment; employers may not discriminate based on COVID-19 vaccine status, immunity, or testing.

Utah HB131
Public accommodations and employers may not discriminate based on vaccine status; government entities may not require any vaccine.

Idaho SB1130
Businesses may not refuse service based on COVID-19 vaccine status, require an employee to get such a vaccination with exemptions; state entity may not condition services based on COVID-19 vaccine status.

North Dakota SB2274
Unlawful to discriminate in employment, public accommodations, or public services based on immunity passport. Exceptions include vaccines required by Medicare.

Texas SB29
Government entity may not mandate: face masks to prevent spread of COVID-19, vaccination against COVID-19, or business and school closures.

Texas SB7
Non-government employers may not mandate COVID-19 vaccination, remedies and other provisions.

Arkansas SB3
State entity may not mandate or coerce any person to receive a COVID-19 vaccine as a condition of employment or access to services. Health Department to maintain data on risks from COVID-19 vaccines. Other provisions.

Hospital Visitors’ Rights

Idaho HB244
No hospital/facility visitor precautions which are more stringent than those required for staff. Visitors may not be excluded based on vaccine status.

Louisiana HB291
No hospital/facility visitor precautions which are more stringent than those required for staff. Facilities may not require proof of vaccination from visitors. Physical contact with patients allowed.

Youth and Parent Protection

Iowa HF2298
No COVID-19 vaccine mandates for pre K-12 and postsecondary schools prior to July 1, 2029.

Montana HB684
Vaccine status of parents or children may not be admitted into evidence in proceedings involving child custody or parental rights.

Idaho SB1029
Prohibits investigations and court orders terminating a parent’s relationship with their child based on the child’s immunization status.

Idaho SB1005
Childcare facilities shall notify parents of right to object for any reason to vaccine requirements.

Death Certificates to Show Vaccine Status; Medicaid Protection

North Dakota HB1502
Death certificates to include vaccination status; health facilities cannot mandate employer COVID-19 vaccine; hospitals may not deny treatment based on COVID-19 vaccine status.

Texas HB44
Prohibits discrimination against a Medicaid recipient or child health plan program enrollee based on immunization status.

As we come to the close of 2023, we congratulate the state activists who worked so hard to pass these new laws to protect our health freedom!