2021 -- H 6302

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LC002768

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2021

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A N   A C T

RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY

     Introduced By: Representatives Place, Quattrocchi, and Newberry

     Date Introduced: May 05, 2021

     Referred To: House State Government & Elections

     It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

     SECTION 1. Title 23 of the General Laws entitled "HEALTH AND SAFETY" is hereby

amended by adding thereto the following chapter:

CHAPTER 95

COVID-19 VACCINATION NOT REQUIRED FOR ACCESS TO STATE OR PRIVATE

BUSINESSES ACT

     23-95-1. Findings.

     (a) The general assembly finds that on January 30, 2020, the World Health Organization

designated the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak as a public health emergency of

international concern.

     (b) On March 9, 2020, the governor of the State of Rhode Island issued a declaration of

emergency and over the course of several months issued numerous continuations of that declaration

of emergency.

     (c) The declaration of emergency ordered the closure of businesses, parks, and even private

businesses, with the result of restricting the populace's freedoms.

     (d) The legislature finds that the re-opening of businesses is vital to the state's economy

and that access to said businesses, and public buildings, is paramount to a free society and the re-

normalization of human interaction.

     (e) The legislature further finds that every citizen of the State of Rhode Island is protected

and has the right to confidentiality of their health care records pursuant to chapter 37.3 of title 5.

     (f) Additionally, each and every citizen is protected by the United States Constitution and

the Constitution of Rhode Island to make their own health care decisions. Decisions that have been

upheld and reaffirmed by our United States Supreme Court and the supreme court of the State of

Rhode Island.

     23-95-2. Access to public buildings and private enterprises not to be denied.

     (a) Neither the state, nor any of its agencies, nor any city or town or any political

subdivisions, nor any private business, tavern, hotel, motel, or any other business or business

organization operating in the state of Rhode Island, or any college or university in this state, shall

require proof of a COVID-19 vaccination before allowing entry of any individual into their

building, business, or on their premises, whether inside or outside, or for any other purpose.

     (b) The director of the department of business regulation and the licensing authorities of

the several cities and towns are hereby authorized to deny or revoke any business operating license

to any business violating this chapter.

     (c) Nothing contained herein prevents a person denied access to any public building or

private business from seeking civil damages and injunctive relief against any public or private

business that violates this chapter.

     SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.

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EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

A N   A C T

RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY

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     This act would prohibit state, municipal agencies and any political subdivisions thereof and

private businesses from requiring proof of a COVID-19 vaccine before permitting any individual

from entering the building or business. Licensing authorities would be permitted to deny and/or

revoke business operating licenses of violators.

     This act would take effect upon passage.

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LC002768

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