*Sponsorship has changed since the bill was introduced

REFERENCE TITLE: employer liability; COVID-19 vaccine requirement

State of Arizona

House of Representatives

Fifty-fifth Legislature

Second Regular Session

2022

HB 2043

*Introduced by

Representatives Nguyen: Biasiucci, Blackman, Bolick, Carroll, Carter, Chaplik, Diaz, Hoffman, Kaiser, Wilmeth

AN ACT

amending title 12, chapter 6, article 12, Arizona Revised Statutes, by adding section 12-723; RELATING to civil liability.

(TEXT OF BILL BEGINS ON NEXT PAGE)

Be it enacted by the Legislature of the State of Arizona:

Section 1. Title 12, chapter 6, article 12, Arizona Revised Statutes, is amended by adding section 12-723, to read:

START_STATUTE12-723. Employer liability for COVID-19 vaccination requirement; civil action; damages

A. Notwithstanding any other law, If an employer denies a religious exemption and requires a person to receive a COVID-19 vaccination as a prerequisite to or requirement for maintaining employment, the employer is liable to the person for damages that result from a significant injury that is caused by receiving the COVID-19 vaccination.

B. A claimant who prevails under this section:

1. Shall be awarded actual damages, court costs and reasonable attorney fees or statutory damages of $500,000, whichever is greater.

2. In addition to an award under paragraph 1 of this Subsection, may recover exemplary damages.

C. The rights and remedies provided in this section supplement any other rights and remedies provided by law, including workers' compensation claims and common law rights.