Requires entities to accept confirmation of prior COVID-19 infection or protective immune response against COVID-19 when proof of vaccination is required.
Summary
Assembly Bill 4781 would require any entity that conditions employment, access to services, entry to premises, or participation in activities on proof of COVID-19 vaccination to also accept an individual’s confirmation that they previously had SARS-CoV-2 infection or have a protective immune response against the virus. The bill treats that confirmation as equivalent to proof of vaccination for the purposes of the entity’s requirement, and it allows the confirmation to be given voluntarily, including verbally.
The bill expressly applies to a broad range of entities, including schools, colleges, universities, and other educational institutions, as well as workplaces, service providers, and venues. It also directs the Commissioner of Health to adopt implementing regulations and states that it should not be construed to conflict with federal law or COVID-19-related federal orders. The stated legislative purpose is to reduce discrimination based on vaccination status and to preserve access to employment and public accommodations for people who have recovered from COVID-19 and developed natural immunity.
Impact
If enacted, the bill would create a statewide requirement that entities accepting proof of COVID-19 vaccination must also accept proof of prior infection or a protective immune response, effectively limiting the ability of employers, schools, and other organizations to insist on vaccination alone. It would supplement Title 10 of the Revised Statutes and could affect workplace policies, school and campus entry rules, and access requirements for public accommodations and services. The Department of Health would be responsible for rulemaking to implement the law.
Sentiment
The bill’s stated policy goal is strongly supportive of individuals who have recovered from COVID-19 and oppose mandatory vaccination as the sole means of satisfying access or employment requirements. The sponsor frames the measure as a way to recognize natural immunity, reduce burdensome testing, and prevent discrimination based on vaccination status. No committee transcript or vote record is provided, so there is no recorded legislative debate or formal vote sentiment in the available materials.
Contention
The main point of contention is whether prior infection or a claimed protective immune response should be treated as equivalent to vaccination for access and employment purposes. Supporters emphasize natural immunity, personal choice, and reduced discrimination, while the bill’s structure suggests potential concern from entities that rely on vaccination-only policies for workplace safety, public health, or administrative simplicity. Another likely issue is how confirmation of prior infection or immune response would be verified, since the bill allows voluntary and even verbal confirmation, which may raise concerns about consistency and enforcement.
Carry Over
Requires entities to accept confirmation of prior COVID-19 infection or protective immune response against COVID-19 when proof of vaccination is required.