2023 Texas Statutes
Health and Safety Code
Title 2 - Health
Subtitle H - Public Health Provisions
Chapter 161 - Public Health Provisions
Subchapter A. Immunizations
Section 161.0085. Covid-19 Vaccine Passports Prohibited
Sec. 161.0085. COVID-19 VACCINE PASSPORTS PROHIBITED. (a) In this section, "COVID-19" means the 2019 novel coronavirus disease.
(b) A governmental entity in this state may not issue a vaccine passport, vaccine pass, or other standardized documentation to certify an individual's COVID-19 vaccination status to a third party for a purpose other than health care or otherwise publish or share any individual's COVID-19 immunization record or similar health information for a purpose other than health care.
(c) A business in this state may not require a customer to provide any documentation certifying the customer's COVID-19 vaccination or post-transmission recovery on entry to, to gain access to, or to receive service from the business. A business that fails to comply with this subsection is not eligible to receive a grant or enter into a contract payable with state funds.
(d) Notwithstanding any other law, each appropriate state agency shall ensure that businesses in this state comply with Subsection (c) and may require compliance with that subsection as a condition for a license, permit, or other state authorization necessary for conducting business in this state.
(e) This section may not be construed to:
(1) restrict a business from implementing COVID-19 screening and infection control protocols in accordance with state and federal law to protect public health; or
(2) interfere with an individual's right to access the individual's personal health information under federal law.
Added by Acts 2021, 87th Leg., R.S., Ch. 863 (S.B. 968), Sec. 14, eff. June 16, 2021.
