TN Rep. Hulsey introduces bill to prohibit employers from requiring vaccinations, allow for individuals to receive unemployment if they leave job over matter

A Northeast Tennessee representative has introduced a bill that would allow individuals to claim unemployment benefits who leave their job for refusing to get a COVID-19 vaccine should their employer require it.

The bill was filed Thursday by District 2 Rep. Bud Hulsey of Kingsport, who also in the bill asks lawmakers to consider blocking local government and state entities from requiring employees to get vaccinated as part of a condition of employment.

This is Hulsey’s second bill filed this session relating to preventing forced vaccinations, while a bill filed by a different lawmaker seeks to remove provisions in current state law that would remove requirements for a person to get a vaccine on religious grounds or conscience.