# Plain Language Summary: Mandating Responsibility Act

This bill would allow employees to sue their employers if they were fired or punished for refusing to get a COVID-19 vaccine. Right now, in most cases, employers have the legal right to require vaccinations as a condition of employment, and workers who refuse can be terminated. This bill would change that by creating a new legal right for employees to take their employers to court over vaccine mandates.

The bill covers two main types of lawsuits. First, an employee could sue if they were fired or faced other negative consequences at work for not complying with their employer's vaccine requirement. Second, and more significantly, an employee could sue for wrongful death or serious injury if they claim the COVID-19 vaccine itself caused them harm. If an employee wins either type of case, they could receive money for actual damages (their lost wages, for example), additional compensation for their suffering, punitive damages meant to punish the employer, and the employer would have to pay their lawyer's fees and court costs.

This would fundamentally shift the balance of power in the workplace regarding vaccine requirements. Currently, employers in most states can make vaccination a job requirement just like any other workplace rule. This bill would essentially override that authority by letting workers challenge these decisions in court. It would likely result in significant litigation, with employees suing employers over terminations related to vaccine refusal, and potentially over claims that vaccines caused them injury. The practical effect would be to make it much riskier and more expensive for employers to enforce vaccine mandates, since they'd face the threat of lawsuits and having to pay damages and legal fees if they lose.

Mandating Responsibility Act

Mast, Brian J.

Mandating Responsibility Act This bill establishes a private cause of action for employees who are harmed by their employer's COVID-19 vaccine mandate. An employee may bring an action against the employer for wrongful termination or other adverse employment actions for violating the mandate. An employee may also bring an action against the employer for wrongful death or serious injury related to the COVID-19 vaccine administration, if the employee received the vaccine solely to comply with the employer's mandate. An employee may recover damages (actual, compensatory, and punitive), injunctive relief, attorney's fees and costs, and other appropriate relief.