II 117th CONGRESS 1st Session S. 1932 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES May 27, 2021 Mr. Cruz (for himself, Mr. Braun , and Ms. Lummis ) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions A BILL To protect individual liberty, ensure privacy, and prohibit discrimination with respect to the vaccination status of individuals, and for other purposes.

1. Short title; table of contents (a) Short title This Act may be cited as the No Vaccine Passports Act . (b) Table of contents The table of contents for this Act is as follows: Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents. Sec. 2. Findings. Sec. 3. Severability. TITLE I—General provisions Subtitle A—Health information privacy protections Sec. 101. Prohibition on establishment of Federal vaccine passports and tracking of individuals. Sec. 102. Vaccine status protections under HIPAA privacy regulations. Subtitle B—Consent to vaccination Sec. 111. Vaccinations. TITLE II—Prohibition of discrimination based on vaccination status Subtitle A—Nondiscrimination in employment Sec. 201. Definitions. Sec. 202. Discrimination prohibited. Sec. 203. Defenses. Sec. 204. Remedies and enforcement. Subtitle B—Nondiscrimination in public accommodation Sec. 211. Definitions. Sec. 212. Prohibition of discrimination by places of public accommodation. Sec. 213. Prohibition of discrimination in specified public transportation services provided by private entities. Sec. 214. Exemptions for private clubs and religious organizations. Sec. 215. Enforcement. Sec. 216. Effective date. Subtitle C—Nondiscrimination by a public entity and access to Federal services Sec. 221. Nondiscrimination by a public entity. Sec. 222. Access to Federal services. 2. Findings Congress finds as follows: (1) In December 2019, reports began circulating that hospitals in Wuhan, China were seeing cases of a pneumonia-like respiratory illness of unknown origins. (2) On December 31, 2019, an automated translation of a Chinese media report about a novel respiratory outbreak was posted to ProMED, one of the largest public emerging disease and outbreak reporting systems used to promote communication among infectious disease specialists, including scientists, physicians, veterinarians, epidemiologists, and public health professionals. (3) The ProMED posting prompted the World Health Organization (WHO) to instruct its China Country Office to request verification of the outbreak from the communist government of the People’s Republic of China. (4) In response to the WHO-prompted inquiry, the Wuhan Municipal Health Commission issued its first public statement on the outbreak, saying it had identified 27 cases. (5) On January 3, 2020, in what is clear conduct by the Chinese government to cover up the origins and dangers posed by the outbreak, Dr. Li Wenliang, a physician at Wuhan Central Hospital, was reprimanded by local police in the Public Security Bureau for spreading allegedly false statements about the outbreak online. (6) On January 3, 2020, the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (China CDC) Director-General Gao Fu told the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (United States CDC) Director Robert Redfield about a pneumonia outbreak in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. (7) On January 6, 2020, the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Alex M. Azar II and United States CDC Director Redfield offered to send United States CDC experts to China, and United States CDC issued a Watch Level 1 Alert for Wuhan, meaning that the CDC recognized a heightened risk for travelers, cautioning travelers to use health precautions when traveling to areas in China. (8) On January 11, 2020, a team led by Professor Yong-zhen Zhang of Fudan University in Shanghai posted the genetic sequence of the novel virus on an open-access platform, sharing it with the world. (9) On January 14, 2020, the WHO tweeted, Preliminary investigations conducted by the Chinese authorities have found no clear evidence of human-to-human transmission of the novel coronavirus (2019–nCoV) identified in Wuhan, China . The WHO’s assertion has been proven false and completely contrary to medical science given that there have been nearly 163,000,000 cases of infection worldwide, resulting in more than 3,380,000 deaths. (10) On January 20, 2020, China confirmed person-to-person transmission of the novel coronavirus and infections among medical workers. (11) On January 21, 2020, the United States CDC announced the first COVID–19 case in the United States. (12) On January 30, 2020, WHO Director-General Tedros declared the epidemic a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, and President Donald J. Trump announced the formation of the President's Coronavirus Task Force. In a statement from the WHO regarding the second meeting of its International Health Regulations (2005) Emergency Committee regarding the outbreak of novel coronavirus (2019–nCoV), the Committee specifically did not recommend any travel or trade restriction based on the current information available . (13) On January 31 2020, President Trump suspended entry into the United States of most foreigners who were physically present in mainland China during the preceding 14-day period, effective February 2, 2020, and Secretary Azar declared a public health emergency for the United States to aid response to the novel coronavirus. (14) On February 1, 2020, then-presidential candidate Joe Biden recklessly downplayed the risk of the virus, suggesting in a tweet that President Trump’s efforts to limit the spread of the virus were nothing more than hysteria, xenophobia, and fear-mongering . (15) Numerous individuals criticized these travel restrictions. When asked if you had to, would you close down the borders? to stop the spread of coronavirus, Senator Bernie Sanders said, no . When asked about these travel restrictions, Representative Nancy Pelosi stated, [a]ctually tens of thousands of people were allowed in from China, it wasn't as it was described as this great moment . WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus was reported to say that widespread travel bans and restrictions were not needed to stop the outbreak and could have the effect of increasing fear and stigma, with little public health benefit . Reportedly, Representative Ami Bera stated that the travel ban probably doesn’t make sense since the outbreak had already spread to several other countries, that such measures were causing an antagonistic relationship with the Chinese, and such mandatory quarantines may be overkill . (16) Health experts have since noted that the early United States restrictions imposed on travelers from China saved American lives. Former CDC director Dr. Tom Frieden noted that [t]he travel ban with China made a difference … It resulted in a significant delay in the number of people coming in with infection and because of that, that bought time in the U.S. to better prepare. . While testifying before the House of Representatives, Dr. Anthony Fauci was asked if he believed that the travel restrictions saved lives, to which Dr. Fauci answered, yes, I do . (17) On February 26, 2020, United States CDC confirmed a case of COVID–19 in California in a person who reportedly did not have relevant travel history or exposure to another known patient with COVID–19. (18) On February 29, 2020, United States CDC reported the first COVID–19 death in United States, though later public reports indicated that the first death from COVID–19 may have been weeks earlier. (19) In a 60 Minutes interview posted on March 8, 2020, Dr. Anthony Fauci stated that right now in the United States, people should not be walking around with masks … there’s no reason to be walking around with a mask. When you’re in the middle of an outbreak wearing a mask might make people feel a little bit better, and it might even block a droplet, but it’s not providing the perfect protection that people think that it is. And often, there are unintended consequences, people keep fiddling with the masks, and they keep touching their face … But, when you think masks, you should think of healthcare providers needing them and people who are ill. The people who, when you look at the films of foreign countries and you see eight-five percent of the people wearing masks, that’s fine. That’s fine. I’m not against it. If you want to do it, that’s fine … It could lead to a shortage of masks for the people who really need it. . (20) On April 3, 2020, United States CDC updated its guidance on facial coverings, recommending that Americans wear facial coverings in public settings and especially when social distancing measures are difficult to maintain. (21) On May 15, 2020, the Trump administration announced the establishment of Operation Warp Speed, a public-private partnership to expedite the timeline for development, large scale manufacturing, and delivery of a safe and effective COVID–19 vaccine to the American public. The initial goal of the project was to develop at least 1 vaccine and begin administering it to Americans before the end of 2020. As reported on BioCentury, Dr. Anthony Fauci noted that the fastest a vaccine might be ready for use in an emergency would be 1 year, although the process could take up to 2 years. Before the Senate on March 3, 2020, Dr. Fauci stated that the process would likely take at least 1 to 1 1/2 years to have a vaccine that could be administered to American persons. Some, such as the analytics firm Clarivate, concluded that it might take at least 5 years for the leading vaccine candidates, like Moderna, to complete the development process through full regulatory approval. (22) Operation Warp Speed and other government actions sped COVID–19 vaccine development by enabling typical vaccine development steps to be taken simultaneously with manufacturing and distribution planning. As part of these actions, the Federal Government made investments in critical manufacturing capacity, giving pharmaceutical companies confidence that if they invested in developing a vaccine, once the vaccine received authorization from the Food and Drug Administration, these companies would be able to immediately begin distributing the vaccine. (23) Despite efforts to speed vaccine development to address the COVID–19 pandemic, the emergency use authorization (EUA) process utilized by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) appears to have met rigorous safety and efficacy standards. (24) On July 14, 2020, United States CDC issued stronger recommendations to wear masks as a strategy for preventing the spread of COVID–19. United States CDC Director Robert Redfield, in a news release from the agency, identified masks as one of the most powerful weapons we have to slow and stop the spread of the virus . (25) On December 11, 2020, the FDA issued the first EUA for a vaccine for the prevention of COVID–19 in individuals 16 years of age and older. The EUA allowed the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID–19 Vaccine to be distributed in the United States. (26) On December 18, 2020, the FDA issued an EUA for the second vaccine for the prevention of COVID–19 in individuals 16 years of age and older. The EUA allowed the Moderna COVID–19 Vaccine to be distributed in the United States for use in individuals 18 years of age and older. (27) On February 27, 2021, the FDA issued an EUA for the third vaccine for the prevention of COVID–19. The EUA allowed the Janssen COVID–19 Vaccine to be distributed in the United States for use in individuals 18 years of age and older. (28) Because of the hard work of countless Americans, this public-private partnership, and the funding and support from Congress, multiple safe and effective COVID–19 vaccines have been, and are still being, developed and manufactured, and, as of May 16, 2021, about 273,000,000 vaccine doses had been administered in the United States. (29) Despite the successful development and rollout of the current COVID–19 vaccines, it is not fully known whether these vaccines will protect people from the emergence and potential future emergence of variants of SARS–CoV–2, the virus that causes COVID–19. (30) The emergence of future variants of SARS–CoV–2 could require that the United States continue to develop new COVID–19 vaccines and that people receive a COVID–19 booster shot on a regular, potentially annual, basis to maintain immunity. (31) According to the FDA fact sheets on COVID–19 vaccines, there are certain populations for whom existing COVID–19 vaccines are not indicated or authorized or for whom there is insufficient data to inform vaccine-related risks including— (A) people with severe allergies to vaccine components or who are immunocompromised; (B) people with certain pre-existing conditions such as bleeding disorders and women who are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding; and (C) children under the age of 18. (32) Because of potential risks that the vaccine poses to certain people, it is important that every patient is able to consult his or her doctor to determine whether one of the COVID–19 vaccines is appropriate for that patient. (33) Consistent with fundamental human rights, and medical and legal ethics and proper standards of medical care, every American has the right to informed consent with respect to medical treatment, meaning that he or she has a right to be fully informed about the nature of his or her health care and to participate in and voluntarily make decisions related to his or her care. In addition, every patient has a right to medical privacy to expect that the decisions and nature of care will be kept confidential by his or her health care provider and anyone who has access to the individual’s medical records, including vaccination records. (34) At various times in history, governments and medical professionals have violated these and other inherent rights including by coercing patients, failing to properly inform patients of, or even intentionally begin deceptive with patients about, their rights and the risks inherent with various medical procedures, experiments, and studies—including the Tuskegee syphilis experiments, forced sterilization, lobotomy procedures, electro-shock therapy, certain psychological studies, collection and utilization of individuals’ cells and parts of their body, or from fetal tissue of a patient’s offspring, without knowledge or consent, and eugenics laws. (35) The absence of informed consent not only constitutes a violation of medical ethics and standards of care, in some cases, treatment may also constitute a crime, such as battery. (36) Criminal battery stemming from violations of medical ethics and informed consent standards have led to a significant degree of distrust of the government, public health officials, and medical professionals by certain groups and communities including among the most vulnerable populations such as ethnic minorities, immigrants, economically disadvantaged, unmarried mothers, those with disabilities, and those with mental illnesses. (37) On January 12, 2021, United States CDC issued an order requiring proof of a negative COVID–19 test for all air passengers arriving from a foreign country to the United States, and on February 14, 2021, the United States CDC announced it would not recommend required testing for domestic air travel. (38) On March 19, 2021, the WHO released draft recommendations for a Smart Vaccine Certificate—what amounts to a form of a vaccine passport that would, per WHO’s Smart Vaccination Certificate Working Group , support COVID–19 vaccine delivery and monitoring and to serve current and future requirements, toward the dual purposes of (1) supporting continuity of care; and (2) cross-border uses . (39) The International Air Transport Association has developed the Travel Pass Initiative to gather information on entry and exit testing requirements, allow passengers to create a digital passport that verifies testing and vaccination status, and establish the capability of sharing health data with government authorities. (40) The European Commission has proposed a Digital Green Certificate on March 17, 2021, to prove a passenger’s vaccination status, test results, and COVID–19 antibodies that may be adopted by a country for public health restrictions. (41) The State of New York is testing a vaccine certification to be used for admission into public events. (42) More than 225 companies and organizations are involved in what is known as the Vaccination Credential Initiative, a program intended to establish standards for developers to build digital vaccine passports. (43) On April 2, 2021, the United States CDC announced vaccinated people could travel safely. On April 5, 2021, the United States CDC recommended, but did not require, passengers to be vaccinated, though cruise ships are still not permitted to resume normal operations. (44) The White House, while saying the COVID–19 Task Force will not create a vaccine passport, has engaged in a multi-agency coordination effort led by the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology to develop criteria and principles for a vaccine passport created by the private sector. (45) The private sector, which includes many large technology companies that previously have shown disregard for privacy and a willingness to engage in censorship of Americans while bowing to the will of the Chinese Communist party, are pursuing digital vaccine passports that can be adopted by governments and other public establishments to authenticate personal health information. (46) During a March 2, 2021, virtual meeting lead by the Federal Health IT Coordinating Council on behalf of the Biden Administration, a slide presentation included the following: Proof of individual COVID-related health status is likely to be an important component of pandemic response, proof of immunization will likely become a major, if not the primary, form of health status validation, and a unified Federal approach [is] required to ensure Federal activities are working toward the same common goals for vaccine [passports]. Additionally, the presentation suggested the Biden Administration expects that Federal entities would likely require vaccine verification for a variety of purposes and that the Federal government will inevitably be involved with vaccine credential solutions … . . (47) The Federal Health IT Coordinating Council also listed a number of international organizations and private companies that are working on the development of vaccine passports. (48) The development, implementation, and utilization of vaccine passports, whether by Federal or State government, or the private sector, has the potential for significant misuse and abuse, leading to the denial of constitutionally protected freedoms such as freedom of association and freedom of movement, and could allow the government or corporate interests to begin to track people’s health status on a large-scale basis. (49) There currently exists no clear regulatory framework to fully protect the privacy of United States citizens and United States nationals with respect to their vaccination records and negative COVID–19 test results. (50) The widespread utilization of vaccine passports will certainly lead to discrimination by businesses that provide public accommodations as they could begin to require a customer to demonstrate his or her health status, through the presentment of a vaccine passport or other papers or by requiring that the customer disclose his or her protected health information, before the business agrees to serve or otherwise do business with such individual, meaning the denial of service in such cases could be based on an individual’s disability, health status, or familial status, such as a restaurant denying service to a man who has not been vaccinated based on the advice of his doctor due to a previous anaphylaxis (allergic) reaction to an ingredient found in the COVID–19 vaccines. (51) The widespread acceptance of vaccine passports could also lead to employment discrimination, where employers take adverse employment actions against employees who are not vaccinated because of an underlying health condition and without regard to the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 ( 42 U.S.C. 12101 et seq.) (ADA), which requires an interactive process whereby the employer follows the law to assess if the employee can and should be reasonably accommodated under the ADA. For example, without proper disability protections, an employer could terminate a female employee who has not been vaccinated based on the advice of her doctor simply because she is pregnant. (52) In February 2021, a business in New York told its employees that the business was instituting a vaccine mandate and, when a woman who worked there decided against getting a COVID–19 vaccine because she was trying to get pregnant, she was told her employment was being terminated. (53) In March 2021, a woman in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania was suspended from her job after her employer issued a vaccine mandate for its employees. The woman, who said she is not anti-vaccination, wanted sufficient time to consult with her doctor to see if the vaccine was appropriate for her. (54) For women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, the CDC has indicated that the potential risks of COVID–19 vaccines to the pregnant person and the fetus are unknown because these vaccines have not been studied in pregnant people . Accordingly, it is highly likely that the implementation and use of vaccine passports, refusal to provide services to unvaccinated persons, and decision by employers to impose a vaccine mandate and to take adverse employment actions against unvaccinated employees, are likely to be unfair and discriminatory, disparately impacting women because of their sex. (55) Given that several COVID–19 vaccines are not recommended for children under the age of 12, the implementation and widespread utilization of vaccine passports could lead to the refusal to provide services to unvaccinated persons, such as the denial of services to families with small children, meaning certain vaccine-related policies could lead to age or familial-status-related discrimination. (56) The denial of public services and public accommodations, as well as adverse employment actions, based on COVID–19 vaccination status, lack of or refusal to present a vaccine passport, refusal to get vaccinated, or requiring an individual to explain the underlying reason why they are not vaccinated, could constitute unlawful discrimination, including as to sex, age, familial status, disability, or based on genetic or other health condition. (57) Any United States person that requests the vaccine records of a United States individual, including data such as a copy or other digital record of a vaccine passport or similar proof of vaccination, should be regarded as having collected protected health information and should be regarded as a covered entity as defined under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 ( Public Law 104–191 ). (58) The policy of the United States is to recognize, defend, and protect the inherent rights of the individual, including the right to privacy, the right of liberty, the right to be secure in one’s person, the right of the individual to be informed about any medical procedures, treatment, or vaccination, and the right of the individual to provide or withhold consent to such procedures, treatment, or vaccination. (59) Congress recognizes that special vigilance is required, especially in times of crisis or emergency to ensure that government agencies do not try to take advantage of, manipulate, or enflame public fear, stoke hatred of minority groups, or increase intolerance toward the diversity that builds our Nation. (60) Congress finds that there is a clear need for the Federal Government to take specific action to restore public trust by protecting the privacy and voluntary informed consent rights of patients specifically regarding vaccinations and an individual’s vaccination records. (61) Furthermore, the protection of such individual rights to make one’s own medical decisions in consultation with his or her health care provider without fear of coercion, forced vaccination, loss of civil liberties, or risk of adverse employment action is especially needed at a time when it is critical for our Nation to increase public trust in vaccinations and increase vaccination rates in order to end the COVID–19 pandemic. 3. Severability (a) In general If any provision of this Act, or an amendment made by this Act, or the application of any such provision or amendment to any person or circumstance is declared invalid or unconstitutional, the remainder of this Act, including any amendment made by this Act, and the application of such provisions and amendments to any person or circumstance shall not be affected. (b) Effect of partial invalidation, repeal, or amendment The invalidation, repeal, or amendment of any part of this Act, or amendment made by this Act, does not release or extinguish any penalty, forfeiture, or liability incurred or right accruing or accrued under this Act (or amendment), unless the invalidation, repeal, or amendment so provides expressly. This Act, and amendments made by this Act, shall be treated as remaining in force for the purpose of sustaining any proper action or prosecution for the enforcement of the right, penalty, forfeiture, or liability pursuant to the previous sentence. I General provisions A Health information privacy protections 101. Prohibition on establishment of Federal vaccine passports and tracking of individuals (a) In general No Federal funds may be used to create, establish or collaborate in the establishment of any Federal, State, private, or international vaccine passport system, vaccine tracking database, or similar system or in the creation or adoption of any related guidelines or standards, under which Federal, State, or international government agencies or private companies would be able to monitor or track individuals who have been vaccinated against COVID–19, or which could otherwise be used to limit the freedom of movement or the freedom of association of individuals based on their COVID–19 vaccination status. (b) Personal privacy To the extent any Federal department or agency has received, obtained, collected, aggregated, stored, or is otherwise in possession of any data or records from officials, including public health officials, in any State, the District of Columbia, or any territory, or any third party who administered or has information related to the administration of any COVID–19 vaccinations, including health care providers and insurers, such data and records about any individuals’ vaccination status shall be destroyed by the Federal department or agency and, if in digital form, that data record shall be deleted in its entirety within 30 days of the enactment of this Act. (c) Reporting For any Federal department or agency that has received and subsequently destroyed COVID–19 data or records as required by this section, the head of such agency shall, not later than 15 days after such data or records have been destroyed, submit a sworn affidavit, subject to penalty of perjury, to Congress confirming that he or she has personally assured such data or records have been destroyed. (d) Criminal penalties Any person who knowingly makes or is responsible for the inclusion of a statement or representation in an affidavit under subsection (c) that is materially false, fictitious, or fraudulent shall be fined not more than $10,000, imprisoned not more than 1 year, or both. (e) Prohibition on federal issuance or vaccine passport or similar documentation and prohibition on vaccination requirement to enter federal property or services (1) In general No Federal department or agency may issue a vaccine passport, vaccine pass, or other standardized documentation for the purpose of certifying the COVID–19 vaccination status of a citizen of the United States to a third party, or otherwise publish or share any COVID–19 vaccination record of a citizen of the United States, or similar health information. (2) Access to Federal property and services Proof of COVID–19 vaccination shall not be deemed a requirement for access to Federal property or Federal services, or for access to congressional grounds or services. (f) Exceptions (1) Deidentified or anonymized information for certain purposes The prohibition described in subsection (a) shall not apply to the aggregation and sharing of information that has been deidentified or anonymized if such information is used for purposes of Federal, State, or local public health reporting or academic studies, provided that the recipient of such information does not have the capability to reconstruct the data in any way that would allow for the determination of the vaccination status of any individual. (2) Limited use of information with respect to Federal employees The prohibition described in subsection (a) and the requirement described in subsection (b) shall not apply to the possession by a Federal department or agency of COVID–19 vaccination data or records pertaining to any employee of such department or agency where such data or records will be used solely to determine if such employee would be eligible to gain admission to a foreign country during international travel in furtherance of the employee’s official duties. 102. Vaccine status protections under HIPAA privacy regulations (a) In general The Secretary of Health and Human Services shall amend the regulations promulgated under section 264(c) of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 ( 42 U.S.C. 1320d–2 note) to establish the following: (1) Reporting by covered entities to public health entities of non-anonymized protected health information related to an individual’s vaccination status is not permissible, even during public health emergencies, without express patient consent. (2) Any United States person that requests the vaccine records of a United States individual shall be deemed to be a covered entity for purposes of such request. (3) With respect to any individual who shares their vaccine status with any covered entity, the covered entity shall comply with any request from such individual to— (A) delete all protected health information that identifies the individual’s vaccination status, including in relation to any records shared with the covered entities’ business associates, in all active and inactive databases; and (B) provide to such individual written confirmation of such deletion. (b) Definitions In this section, the terms business associate , covered entity , protected health information have the meanings given such terms in section 160.103 of title 21, Code of Federal Regulations (or any successor regulations). B Consent to vaccination 111. Vaccinations (a) In general Part I of title 18, United States Code, is amended by inserting after chapter 117 the following: 117A Vaccinations 2431. Vaccinations (a) Requirements (1) In general Except as provided in paragraph (2), it shall be unlawful to— (A) require any United States person to receive a vaccine that has only received authorization by the Food and Drug Administration through an emergency use authorization pursuant to section 564 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act ( 21 U.S.C. 360bbb–3 ), or that has received such authorization prior to receiving full approval or licensure under section 505 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act ( 21 U.S.C. 355 ) or section 351 of the Public Health Service Act ( 42 U.S.C. 262 ); or (B) vaccinate with a vaccine that has only received authorization by the Food and Drug Administration through such an emergency use authorization, or that has received such authorization prior to receiving such full approval or licensure— (i) an individual under the age of 18; or (ii) an individual that lacks the capacity to exercise the right to consent to be vaccinated. (2) Exceptions Paragraph (1) shall not apply if the individual, or if the individual is a minor or is otherwise unable to consent, a parent, guardian, conservator, or attorney-in-fact of the individual, provides consent to be vaccinated. (3) Sunset This subsection shall cease to have force or effect on the date that is 5 years after the date of enactment of this section. (b) Right To be informed Any person that administers a vaccine for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID–19) shall, consistent with medical ethics and applicable informed consent laws of the State in which the vaccine is administered and any applicable Federal regulations related to informed consent laws, disclose to any individual, before the vaccine is administered, the risks associated with the vaccine so that the individual can make an informed decision. (c) Protecting privacy (1) In general Except as provided in subparagraph (B), it shall be unlawful for any person to publicly disclose information about the COVID–19 vaccination status of an individual without the express consent of the individual if the individual provided the information to the person— (A) as an employee in the context of an employer-employee relationship; (B) as an independent contractor where the vaccination status was provided to the person to whom the contractor is providing services; (C) as a consumer in the context of any consumer transaction; (D) as a patient in order to obtain medical care or health-related services from any health care provider; or (E) the user of any technology application, platform, or service. (2) Requirements For purposes of this subsection, an individual does not provide express consent to the disclosure of a COVID–19 vaccination status unless— (A) the individual agrees to the circumstances of disclosure in writing; and (B) the agreement is not conditioned on or contained within any other agreement. (3) Exception Paragraph (1) shall not apply if the parent or guardian of the individual provides consent to the disclosure described in that subparagraph. (d) Criminal penalties Whoever knowingly violates subsection (a) or (c) shall be imprisoned no more than 1 year, fined in accordance with this title, or both. (e) Civil penalties Any person who receives the COVID–19 vaccination status of an individual under circumstances that would create a reasonable expectation of privacy in that status, including the circumstances listed in subparagraphs (A) through (E) of subsection (c)(1), and who either intentionally or negligently discloses that status to the public without the consent of the individual shall be subject to a civil fine not to exceed $25,000 per disclosure or any actual damages suffered. (f) Preemption This section does not annul, alter, or affect any law of any State or local government that provides a greater level of privacy than the provisions in this section. . (b) Technical and conforming amendment The table of chapters for part I of title 18, United States Code, is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 117 the following: 117A. Vaccinations 2431 . II Prohibition of discrimination based on vaccination status A Nondiscrimination in employment 201. Definitions In this section: (1) ADA terms The terms direct threat and undue hardship have the meaning given those terms in section 101 of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 ( 42 U.S.C. 12111 ). (2) Covered entity The term covered entity — (A) has the meaning given the term respondent in section 701(n) of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 ( 42 U.S.C. 2000e(n) ); and (B) includes— (i) an employer, which means a person engaged in industry affecting commerce who has 15 or more employees as defined in section 701(b) of title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 ( 42 U.S.C. 2000e(b) ); and (ii) an entity to which section 717(a) of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 ( 42 U.S.C. 2000e–16(a) ) applies. (3) Employee The term employee means— (A) an employee (including an applicant), as defined in section 701(f) of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 ( 42 U.S.C. 2000e(f) ); and (B) an employee (including an applicant) to which section 717(a) of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 ( 42 U.S.C. 2000e–16(a) ) applies. (4) Person; commerce; industry affecting commerce The terms person , commerce , and industry affecting commerce shall have the same meaning given such terms in section 701 of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 ( 42 U.S.C. 2000e ). (5) Qualified employee The term qualified employee means an employee or applicant who, with or without reasonable accommodation, can perform the essential functions of the employment position. For the purposes of this title, consideration shall be given to the employer’s judgment as to what functions of a job are essential, and if an employer has prepared a written description before advertising or interviewing applicants for the job, this description shall be considered evidence of the essential functions of the job. (6) Reasonable accommodation The term reasonable accommodation may include— (A) job restructuring, modified work schedules, telework, reassignment to a vacant position, or wearing a mask or personal protective equipment; and (B) physical distancing for an unvaccinated individual or an unvaccinated individual wearing a mask or personal protective equipment, to the extent that the unvaccinated individual interacts with individuals who are vulnerable to COVID–19 and unvaccinated for COVID–19. (7) Vaccination status The term vaccination status means— (A) an individual’s status based on the voluntary election to receive or not to receive a COVID–19 vaccine; and (B) regardless of whether someone has or has not been vaccinated against COVID–19, an individual's status with respect to having or producing proof of such vaccination in the form of a vaccine passport or other medical records that would demonstrate whether an individual has been vaccinated against COVID–19. 202. Discrimination prohibited (a) General rule No covered entity shall discriminate against a qualified employee on the basis of vaccination status, or the qualified employee’s unwillingness or inability to present a vaccine passport or other proof of having a COVID–19 vaccine, in regard to job application procedures, the hiring, advancement, or discharge of employees, employee compensation, job training, and other terms, conditions, and privileges of employment. (b) Construction (1) In general As used in subsection (a), the term discriminate against a qualified employee on the basis of vaccination status includes— (A) limiting, segregating, or classifying an employee in a way that adversely affects the opportunities or status of such employee because of the vaccination status of such employee; (B) participating in a contractual or other arrangement or relationship that has the effect of subjecting a covered entity’s qualified employee based on vaccination status to the discrimination prohibited by this title (such relationship includes a relationship with an employment or referral agency, labor union, an organization providing fringe benefits to an employee of the covered entity, or an organization providing training and apprenticeship programs); (C) utilizing standards, criteria, or methods of administration— (i) that have the effect of discrimination on the basis of vaccination status; or (ii) that perpetuate the discrimination of others who are subject to common administrative control; (D) excluding or otherwise denying equal benefits to a qualified employee because of the known vaccination status of an individual with whom the qualified employee is known to have a relationship or association; (E) (i) not making reasonable accommodations based on vaccination status for an otherwise qualified employee, unless such covered entity can demonstrate that the accommodation would impose an undue hardship on the operation of the business of such covered entity; or (ii) denying employment opportunities to an employee who is an otherwise qualified employee based on vaccination status, if such denial is based on the need of such covered entity to make reasonable accommodation based on the vaccination status of the qualified employee; and (F) using qualification standards, employment tests, or other selection criteria that screen out or tend to screen out an individual or a class of individuals based on vaccination status unless the standard, test or other selection criteria, as used by the covered entity, is shown to be job-related for the position in question and is consistent with business necessity. (2) Exclusions Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, the term discriminate against a qualified individual on the basis of vaccination status does not include— (A) requiring physical distancing by or from individuals who are particularly vulnerable to COVID–19 or have not been fully vaccinated for COVID–19; (B) requiring a qualified employee to wear a mask or to utilize other personal protective equipment; or (C) conducting any symptom check as described in subsection (d)(3). (c) Covered entities in foreign countries It shall not be unlawful under this section for a covered entity to take any action that constitutes discrimination under this section with respect to an employee in a workplace in a foreign country if compliance with this section would cause such covered entity to violate the law of the foreign country in which such workplace is located. (d) Medical examinations and inquiries (1) In general Consistent with paragraph (2), the prohibition against discrimination as referred to in subsection (a) shall include medical examinations designed to reveal a qualified employee’s vaccination status and inquiries about a qualified employee’s vaccination status or reasons for choosing not to receive a COVID–19 vaccine. (2) Prohibited examinations and inquiries A covered entity shall not require a medical examination designed to reveal a qualified employee’s vaccination status and shall not make inquiries of an employee as to the vaccination status of the employee or reasons for choosing not to receive a COVID–19 vaccine unless such examination or inquiry is shown to be job-related and consistent with business necessity. (3) Symptom checks permitted Notwithstanding any other provision of this title, a covered entity may implement basic health screenings that ask individuals if they have symptoms associated with COVID–19 as long as the covered entity does not discriminate against a qualified employee, as described in subsection (a), based on those symptoms, provided that the covered entity does not discriminate on the basis of vaccination status when taking any action in response to any symptom check. 203. Defenses (a) In general It may be a defense to a charge of discrimination under this title that an alleged application of qualification standards, tests, or selection criteria that screen out or tend to screen out or otherwise deny a job or benefit to a qualified employee based on vaccination status has been shown to be job-related and consistent with business necessity, and such performance cannot be accomplished by reasonable accommodation, as required under this title. (b) Religious entities (1) In general This title shall not prohibit a religious corporation, association, educational institution, or society from giving preference in employment to individuals of a particular religion to perform work connected with the carrying on by such corporation, association, educational institution, or society of its activities. (2) Religious tenets requirement Under this title, a religious organization may require that all applicants and employees conform to the religious tenets of such organization. 204. Remedies and enforcement (a) Employees covered by title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (1) In general The powers, remedies, and procedures provided in sections 705, 706, 707, 709, 710, and 711 of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 ( 42 U.S.C. 2000e–4 et seq.) to the Commission, the Attorney General, or any person alleging a violation of title VII of such Act ( 42 U.S.C. 2000e et seq.) shall be the powers, remedies, and procedures this Act provides to the Commission, the Attorney General, or any person, respectively, alleging an unlawful employment practice in violation of this title against an employee described in section 201(3)(A) except as provided in paragraphs (2) and (3) of this subsection. (2) Costs and fees The powers, remedies, and procedures provided in subsections (b) and (c) of section 722 of the Revised Statutes ( 42 U.S.C. 1988 ) shall be the powers, remedies, and procedures this Act provides to the Board or any person alleging such practice. (3) Damages The powers, remedies, and procedures provided in section 1977A of the Revised Statutes ( 42 U.S.C. 1981a ), including the limitations contained in subsection (b)(3) of such section 1977A, shall be the powers, remedies, and procedures this title provides to the Board or any person alleging such practice (not an employment practice specifically excluded from coverage under section 1977A(a)(1) of the Revised Statutes). (b) Employees covered by section 717 of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (1) In general The powers, remedies, and procedures provided in section 717 of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 ( 42 U.S.C. 2000e–16 ) to the Commission, the Attorney General, the Librarian of Congress, or any person alleging a violation of that section shall be the powers, remedies, and procedures this title provides to the Commission, the Attorney General, the Librarian of Congress, or any person, respectively, alleging an unlawful employment practice in violation of this title against an employee described in section 201(3)(B), except as provided in paragraphs (2) and (3) of this subsection. (2) Costs and fees The powers, remedies, and procedures provided in subsections (b) and (c) of section 722 of the Revised Statutes ( 42 U.S.C. 1988 ) shall be the powers, remedies, and procedures this Act provides to the Commission, the Attorney General, the Librarian of Congress, or any person alleging such practice. (3) Damages The powers, remedies, and procedures provided in section 1977A of the Revised Statutes ( 42 U.S.C. 1981a ), including the limitations contained in subsection (b)(3) of such section 1977A, shall be the powers, remedies, and procedures this title provides to the Commission, the Attorney General, the Librarian of Congress, or any person alleging such practice (not an employment practice specifically excluded from coverage under section 1977A(a)(1) of the Revised Statutes). (c) Prohibition against retaliation (1) In general No person shall discriminate against any employee because such employee has opposed any act or practice made unlawful by this title or because such employee made a charge, testified, assisted, or participated in any manner in an investigation, proceeding, or hearing under this title. (2) Prohibition against coercion It shall be unlawful to coerce, intimidate, threaten, or interfere with any individual in the exercise or enjoyment of, or on account of such individual having exercised or enjoyed, or on account of such individual having aided or encouraged any other individual in the exercise or enjoyment of, any right granted or protected by this title. (3) Remedy The remedies and procedures otherwise provided for under this section shall be available to aggrieved individuals with respect to violations of this subsection. (d) Limitation Notwithstanding subsections (a)(3) and (b)(3), if an unlawful employment practice involves the provision of a reasonable accommodation pursuant to this title or regulations implementing this title, damages may not be awarded under section 1977A of the Revised Statutes ( 42 U.S.C. 1981a ) if the covered entity demonstrates good faith efforts, in consultation with the qualified employee, to identify and make a reasonable accommodation that would provide such employee with an equally effective opportunity and would not cause an undue hardship on the operation of the covered entity. B Nondiscrimination in public accommodation 211. Definitions In this subtitle: (1) ADA terms The terms commerce , commercial facilities , private entity , and public accommodation have the meanings given those terms in section 301 of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 ( 42 U.S.C. 12181 ). (2) Individual who has not received a COVID–19 vaccine The term individual who has not received a COVID–19 vaccine means an individual who has not received a COVID–19 vaccine or who does not have or cannot produce proof of having such a vaccine. (3) Vaccination status The term vaccination status means— (A) an individual’s status based on the voluntary election to receive or not to receive a COVID–19 vaccine; and (B) regardless of whether someone has or has not been vaccinated against COVID–19, an individual's status with respect to having or producing proof of such vaccination in the form of a vaccine passport or other medical records that would demonstrate whether an individual has been vaccinated against COVID–19. 212. Prohibition of discrimination by places of public accommodation (a) General rule Subject to the provisions of this subtitle, no individual shall be discriminated against on the basis of vaccination status, or the individual’s unwillingness or inability to present a vaccine passport or other proof of having a COVID–19 vaccine, in the full and equal enjoyment of the goods, services, facilities, privileges, advantages, or accommodations of any place of public accommodation by any person who owns, leases (or leases to), or operates a place of public accommodation. (b) Construction (1) General prohibition (A) Activities (i) Denial of participation It shall be discriminatory to subject an individual or class of individuals on the basis of the vaccination status of such individual or class of individuals, directly, or through contractual, licensing, or other arrangements, to a denial of the opportunity of the individual or class to participate in or benefit from the goods, services, facilities, privileges, advantages, or accommodations of an entity. (ii) Participation in unequal benefit It shall be discriminatory to afford an individual or class of individuals, on the basis of vaccination status of such individual or class of individuals, directly, or through contractual, licensing, or other arrangements with the opportunity to participate in or benefit from a good, service, facility, privilege, advantage, or accommodation that is not substantially equal to that afforded to other individuals. (iii) Separate benefit It shall be discriminatory to provide an individual or class of individuals, on the basis of vaccination status of such individual or class of individuals, directly, or through contractual, licensing, or other arrangements with a good, service, facility, privilege, advantage, or accommodation that is different or separate from that provided to other individuals, unless such action is necessary to provide the individual or class of individuals with a good, service, facility, privilege, advantage, or accommodation, or other opportunity that is as effective as that provided to others. (iv) Individual or class of individuals For purposes of clauses (i) through (iii) of this subparagraph, the term individual or class of individuals refers to the clients or customers of the covered public accommodation that enters into the contractual, licensing or other arrangement. (B) Integrated settings Goods, services, facilities, privileges, advantages, and accommodations shall be afforded to an individual regardless of vaccination status in the most integrated setting appropriate. (C) Opportunity to participate Notwithstanding the existence of separate or different programs or activities provided in accordance with this section, an individual who has not received a COVID–19 vaccine shall not be denied the opportunity to participate in such programs or activities that are not separate or different. (D) Administrative methods An individual or entity shall not, directly or through contractual or other arrangements, utilize standards or criteria or methods of administration— (i) that have the effect of discriminating on the basis of vaccination status; or (ii) that perpetuate the discrimination of others who are subject to common administrative control. (E) Association It shall be discriminatory to exclude or otherwise deny equal goods, services, facilities, privileges, advantages, accommodations, or other opportunities to an individual or entity because of the vaccination status of an individual with whom the individual or entity is known to have a relationship or association. (2) Specific prohibitions (A) Discrimination For purposes of subsection (a), discrimination includes— (i) the imposition or application of eligibility criteria that screen out or tend to screen out an individual who has not had a COVID–19 vaccine or any class of such individuals from fully and equally enjoying any goods, services, facilities, privileges, advantages, or accommodations, unless such criteria can be shown to be necessary for the provision of the goods, services, facilities, privileges, advantages, or accommodations being offered; and (ii) a failure to make reasonable modifications in policies, practices, or procedures, when such modifications are necessary to afford such goods, services, facilities, privileges, advantages, or accommodations to individuals who have not received a COVID–19 vaccine, unless the entity can demonstrate that making such modifications would fundamentally alter the nature of such goods, services, facilities, privileges, advantages, or accommodations. (3) Specific construction Nothing in this title shall require an entity to permit an individual to participate in or benefit from the goods, services, facilities, privileges, advantages and accommodations of such entity where such individual poses a direct threat to the health or safety of others. The term direct threat means a significant risk to the health or safety of others that cannot be eliminated by a modification of policies, practices, or procedures or by physical distancing, wearing a mask, or wearing personal protective equipment. (c) Distancing and PPE Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, an individual shall not be considered to be discriminated against on the basis of vaccination status in violation of this section if that individual is required to engage in physical distancing, wear a mask, or wear personal protective equipment. 213. Prohibition of discrimination in specified public transportation services provided by private entities (a) General rule No individual shall be discriminated against on the basis of vaccination status, or the individual’s unwillingness or inability to present a vaccine passport or other proof of vaccinations status, in the full and equal enjoyment of specified public transportation services provided by a private entity that is primarily engaged in the business of transporting people and whose operations affect commerce. (b) Construction For purposes of subsection (a), discrimination includes— (1) the imposition or application by an entity described in subsection (a) of eligibility criteria that screens out or tends to screen out an individual based on vaccination status or any class of individuals based on vaccination status from fully enjoying the specified public transportation services provided by the entity, unless such criteria can be shown to be necessary for the provision of the services being offered; and (2) the failure of such entity to make reasonable modifications, including physical distancing for an unvaccinated individual or an unvaccinated individual wearing a mask or personal protective equipment, to the extent that the unvaccinated individual interacts with individuals who are vulnerable to COVID–19 and unvaccinated for COVID–19. (c) Distancing and PPE Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, an individual shall not be considered to be discriminated against on the basis of vaccination status in violation of this section if that individual is required to engage in physical distancing, wear a mask, or wear personal protective equipment. 214. Exemptions for private clubs and religious organizations The provisions of this subtitle shall not apply to private clubs or establishments exempted from coverage under title II of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. 2000–a(e)) or to religious organizations or entities controlled by religious organizations, including places of worship. 215. Enforcement (a) Availability of remedies and procedures The remedies and procedures set forth in section 204(a) of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 ( 42 U.S.C. 2000a–3(a) ) are the remedies and procedures this subtitle provides to any person who is being subjected to discrimination on the basis of vaccination status in violation of this subtitle or who has reasonable grounds for believing that such person is about to be subjected to discrimination in violation of this subtitle. Nothing in this section shall require a person who has not received a COVID–19 vaccine to engage in a futile gesture if such person has actual notice that a person or organization covered by this subtitle does not intend to comply with its provisions. (b) Enforcement by the attorney general (1) Denial of rights (A) Authority to investigate The Attorney General shall have the authority to investigate alleged violations of this subtitle, and shall undertake periodic reviews of compliance of entities subject to this subtitle. (B) Potential violation If the Attorney General has reasonable cause to believe that— (i) any person or group of persons is engaged in a pattern or practice of discrimination under this subtitle; or (ii) any person or group of persons has been discriminated against under this subtitle and such discrimination raises an issue of general public importance; the Attorney General may commence a civil action in any appropriate United States district court. (2) Authority of court In a civil action under paragraph (1)(B), the court— (A) may grant any equitable relief that such court considers to be appropriate, including, to the extent required by this subtitle— (i) granting temporary, preliminary, or permanent relief; (ii) providing a modification of policy, practice, or procedure, or alternative method; and (iii) making reasonable accommodations for individuals who have not received a COVID–19 vaccine; (B) may award such other relief as the court considers to be appropriate, including monetary damages to individuals aggrieved when requested by the Attorney General; and (C) may, to vindicate the public interest, assess a civil penalty against the entity subject to this subtitle in an amount— (i) not exceeding $50,000 for a first violation; and (ii) not exceeding $100,000 for any subsequent violation. (3) Single violation For purposes of paragraph (2)(C), in determining whether a first or subsequent violation has occurred, a determination in a single action, by judgment or settlement, that the entity subject to this subtitle has engaged in more than one discriminatory act shall be counted as a single violation. (4) Punitive damages For purposes of paragraph (2)(B), the term monetary damages and such other relief does not include punitive damages. (5) Judicial consideration In a civil action under paragraph (1)(B), the court, when considering what amount of civil penalty, if any, is appropriate, shall give consideration to any good faith effort or attempt to comply with this Act by the entity. In evaluating good faith, the court shall consider, among other factors it deems relevant, whether the entity could have reasonably anticipated the need for a reasonable accommodation for individuals who have not received a COVID–19 vaccine. 216. Effective date This subtitle shall become effective 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act. C Nondiscrimination by a public entity and access to Federal services 221. Nondiscrimination by a public entity (a) In general Subject to the provisions of this subtitle, no qualified individual who has not received a COVID–19 vaccine shall, by reason of such vaccination status, including the qualified individual’s unwillingness or inability to present a vaccine passport or other proof of having a COVID–19 vaccine, be excluded from participation in or be denied the benefits of the services, programs, or activities of a public entity, or be subjected to discrimination by any such entity. (b) Right To vote shall not be impaired It shall be unlawful for any State or political subdivision, as such term is used in the Voting Rights Act of 1965 ( 52 U.S.C. 10301 et seq.), to require or impose a requirement that a voter or voters must present a vaccine passport or otherwise present information regarding their vaccination status in order to exercise the right to vote, including to vote in person, in any election involving any candidate for Federal office. (c) Rule of construction Notwithstanding subsection (a), a public entity shall not be considered in violation of subsection (a) if that public entity requires a qualified individual who has not received a COVID–19 vaccine to engage in physical distancing, wear a mask, or wear personal protective equipment. (d) Enforcement The remedies, procedures, and rights set forth in section 505 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 ( 29 U.S.C. 794a ) shall be the remedies, procedures, and rights this title provides to any person alleging discrimination on the basis of status as a qualified individual who has not received a COVID–19 vaccine in violation of this section. (e) Definitions (1) Qualified individual who has not received a COVID–19 vaccine The term qualified individual who has not received a COVID–19 vaccine means an individual who— (A) has voluntarily elected not to receive a COVID–19 vaccine; and (B) with or without reasonable modifications to rules, policies, or practices, including physical distancing, mask wearing, wearing personal protective equipment, or undergoing a COVID-related symptom check meets the essential eligibility requirements for the receipt of services or the participation in programs or activities provided by a public entity. (2) Public entity The term public entity has the meaning given that term in section 201 of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 ( 42 U.S.C. 12131 ). 222. Access to Federal services (a) Federal services (1) In General No otherwise qualified individual who has not received a COVID–19 vaccine, shall, solely by reason of her or his vaccine status, be excluded from the participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance or under any program or activity conducted by any Executive agency or by the United States Postal Service. (2) Regulations The head of each such agency shall promulgate such regulations as may be necessary to carry out this section. (3) Program or activity In this section the term program or activity has the meaning given that term in section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 ( 29 U.S.C. 794 ). (b) Petition; access to property An individual's right to petition the Federal Government and an individual's right to access Federal property shall not be affected because the individual is a qualified individual who has not received a COVID–19 vaccine. Proof of COVID–19 vaccination shall not be a requirement for access to Federal property or Federal services, or for access to congressional grounds or services. (c) Exception relating to admission and departure of aliens (1) In general Notwithstanding any other provision of this Act, the Secretary of Homeland Security may request, require, and collect vaccination records providing evidence of vaccination for COVID–19, SARS–CoV–2, or any variant of COVID–19 or SARS–CoV–2 from any alien (as defined in section 101(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act ( 8 U.S.C. 1101(a) ) seeking admission to the United States or departing the United States, to the extent necessary to ensure public health. (2) Recordkeeping The Secretary of Homeland Security may maintain such evidence of vaccination and any ancillary documentation for a period the Secretary considers necessary. (3) Privacy Information collected or maintained under paragraph (1) or (2) may not be transmitted or communicated to any entity or individual other than an employee of the Department of Homeland Security designated by the Secretary of Homeland Security. (4) Rule of construction Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to provide an alien a right or an enforceable action relating to the admission of the alien to the United States or authorization to remain in the United States.