A newly proposed law in South Carolina would make it a crime for anyone—whether it is your employer or anyone—to ask about your COVID-19 vaccination status. Supporters of the legislation are referring to it as a “don’t ask” bill.
Under House Bill H.4848, any representative of a private, public, or non-profit entity who asks about coronavirus vaccine status would be charged with a misdemeanor, punishable by imprisonment for more than one year and/or a maximum fine of $14,000.
The sponsors of his bill include Representatives James Mikell “Mike” Burns (R, 17th District), William “Bill” Chumley (R, 35th District), Patrick B. Haddon (R, 19th District), Steven Wayne Long (R, 37th District), Sandy McGarry (R, 44th District), Victor M. “Vic” Dabney (R, 52nd District), Craig A. Gagnon (R, 11th District), and Stewart O. Jones (R, 14th District).
According to WHNS, Rep. Chumley blames vaccine mandates for being a contributing factor to the current job shortage in the state. He also claims he and the other sponsors proposed the legislation to send a message that states have a right to impose their own laws.
Those who oppose the proposed law believe if it passes, a huge legal battle would be next. For example, since there is a federal vaccine mandate for healthcare workers, hospitals could lose millions of dollars in funding for not complying with existing federal mandates or healthcare workers could face criminal charges for doing so.
After HB H.4848 was filed in mid-January, a committee will examine the proposed law.
If you have been arrested in Lexington or Columbia, SC, call the Law Office of James R. Snell, Jr., LLC at (803) 359-3301 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation.