OKLAHOMA CITY (KOKH) - Sen. Blake Cowboy Stephens filed a bill on Monday that aims to ensure current employees are exempt should employers institute new mandates for vaccines or other medical treatments.
The Republican said he was concerned about workers being faced with a new mandate that could force them out of work.
“My heart goes out to the hardworking employees who’ve spent decades on the job only to be told they have to get a shot or they’ll be fired,” Stephens said. “For older workers, they may not be able to find another job in their field. My bill simply says that you cannot change the rules on your existing employees. If an employer wants to start requiring a vaccine as a condition of employment, it can’t be applied retroactively—it would only apply to new hires who would know what the rules were from day one.”
Under the bill Stephens filed, it would be unlawful for any employer to require their current employees to submit to or take any vaccination or medication as a condition of employment.
The bill, known as the Employee Liberty and Freedom Act, can be considered when the 2022 legislative session begins in February.
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