A BILL FOR AN ACT to amend the Indiana Code concerning labor and safety.

Labor

Passed Legislature

This bill passed both chambers and reached final enrollment, even if later executive action is not shown here.

Sponsor: Representative Bruce Borders
Last action: 2026-01-14
Official status: Introduced House Bill (H)
Effective date: Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

Checked against official source text during the last sync.

Indiana Bill on Employee Vaccination Rights

This bill amends Indiana's labor laws to protect employees' rights regarding vaccinations and sets penalties for employers who violate these rules.

What This Bill Does

Provides that an employer may require immunizations only if the employee has the right to refuse them.
Requires employers offering free vaccines to inform their employees about this option without coercion.
Allows workers to report violations to the Department of Labor and sue their employer for breaking these rules.
Sets a civil penalty of $5,000 from the Department of Labor for each violation.
Repeals old rules about exemptions for COVID-19 vaccines.

Who It Names or Affects

Employers who offer or require vaccinations
Employees who might be asked to get vaccinated

Terms To Know

Civil penalty: A fine given by the government for breaking a law.
Adverse action: Something bad that happens, like losing your job or getting a lower pay raise.

Limits and Unknowns

The bill does not specify when it will take effect.
It only applies to employers and employees in Indiana.

Bill History

2026-01-14 House
Representative VanNatter added as coauthor
2026-01-05 House
Authored by Representative Borders
2026-01-05 House
First reading: referred to Committee on Employment, Labor and Pensions

Official Summary Text

A BILL FOR AN ACT to amend the Indiana Code concerning labor and safety.
Employment and vaccinations.

Current Bill Text

Read the full stored bill text

A BILL FOR AN ACT to amend the Indiana Code concerning labor and safety.

Employment and vaccinations.

Provides that an employer may require an immunization only if the employer respects the employee's right to refuse an immunization. Provides that an employee shall be free from coercion or an adverse action based on the employee's refusal of an immunization. Requires an employer that offers an immunization at no cost to an employee to provide certain notice to the employee. Provides that a violation may be reported to the department of labor (department). Requires the department to impose a civil penalty of $5,000 per incident. Allows an employee to bring a civil action against an employer to enforce the provisions. Repeals provisions concerning exemptions from COVID-19 immunization requirements. Makes a corresponding change.