Oppose SB1016: Dangerous Vaccine Exemption Expansion

I urge you to oppose SB1016 when it comes before the Senate Health and Human Services Committee on Wednesday. This bill, sponsored by Senator Janae Shamp, would dangerously expand vaccine exemptions for employees across all industries by requiring employers to provide religious accommodations for any vaccine, not just COVID-19, without allowing employers to verify the sincerity of these beliefs. Arizona is already experiencing the consequences of declining vaccination rates. Measles and whooping cough cases are rising in our state as part of a national surge in preventable diseases. These are illnesses we had nearly eliminated, and their return puts our most vulnerable residents at risk, particularly infants too young to be vaccinated and individuals with compromised immune systems. The timing and scope of this legislation are particularly concerning for healthcare settings. Medical workers interact daily with patients who depend on herd immunity for protection. When healthcare employees refuse vaccinations without legitimate medical reasons, they become potential vectors for diseases that can spread rapidly through hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities. This creates an untenable situation where the people seeking care face increased risk from those providing it. Public opinion strongly supports vaccination requirements. Eighty-three percent of Arizonans support childhood vaccines, including 70% of Republicans. This legislation runs counter to the clear will of Arizona voters and the scientific consensus on public health. The provision preventing employers from questioning the sincerity of religious beliefs removes any meaningful safeguard against abuse. Employers have a responsibility to maintain safe workplaces for all employees and customers. SB1016 would strip them of the ability to balance individual accommodation requests against broader public health and safety obligations. I ask you to vote no on SB1016 in committee and prevent this dangerous expansion of vaccine exemptions from advancing further.