# Plain Language Summary: National Guard COVID-19 Vaccination Bill

This bill would prevent the military from requiring members of the National Guard to get vaccinated against COVID-19. Right now, the Department of Defense can mandate vaccines for all service members, including National Guard troops. This bill would remove that ability specifically for the COVID-19 vaccine, meaning National Guard members couldn't be forced to get the shot as a condition of service.

The practical impact would be that National Guard members could refuse the COVID-19 vaccine without facing military consequences like discharge, loss of pay, or other disciplinary action. This is different from active-duty military members in the regular armed forces, who would still be subject to vaccine requirements. The National Guard includes both full-time and part-time soldiers who serve their states and can be called to federal duty during emergencies or national security situations.

This change would apply going forward, meaning any existing vaccine requirements for National Guard members would be lifted, and no new COVID-19 vaccine mandates could be imposed on them. However, it wouldn't affect other vaccines that the military requires, like those for measles, polio, or other diseases. It also wouldn't prevent individual states from setting their own vaccine policies for their state-based National Guard units, though the bill would prevent federal requirements specifically.

A bill to prohibit any requirement that a member of the National Guard receive a vaccination against COVID-19.

Blackburn, Marsha

 <p>This bill prohibits federal funds from being used to require a member of the National Guard to receive a COVID-19 vaccination. In addition, the Department of Defense is prohibited from taking any adverse action (e.g., punishment) against a member of the National Guard because the member refuses to receive such a vaccination.</p>