• Gov. Greg Abbott (R-TX) signed a bill into law on Friday to prohibit private employers from mandating COVID-19 vaccines.
• Under the new law, any employer penalizing its employees for not receiving the coronavirus vaccine may face a $50,000 fine.
• The original sponsor, state Sen. Mayes Middleton, initially proposed a $10,000 fine, but the Texas House increased it. The law extends to unpaid employees, doctor’s offices, and health clinics. Employers are permitted, however, to mandate that unvaccinated staff wear masks or adopt other protective measures.

Tagged: COVID-19