Sponsors (17)
The bill protects individuals' ability to attend or work at federally funded colleges without a COVID-19 vaccine but raises public-health risks and campus disruption and limits institutional authority to set health requirements.
Students, college staff, and prospective enrollees retain the ability to enroll, attend, or work at federally funded colleges even if they refuse a COVID-19 vaccine.
Students, staff, and nearby communities face higher risk of COVID-19 transmission because federal funds could support institutions that do not require vaccination.
Students, faculty, and campus operations may experience more outbreaks, class cancellations, and related medical and logistical costs if institutions cannot require vaccination.
Colleges and universities could have reduced ability to set or enforce public-health policies, forcing institutions to balance campus safety against constraints on their autonomy.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Introduced April 28, 2025 by Mark B. Messmer · Last progress April 28, 2025
Prohibits federal funds to colleges and universities that require students or employees to get a COVID‑19 vaccine as a condition of enrollment, employment, or receipt of benefits, services, or contracts. It applies to institutions defined under the Higher Education Act and conditions their eligibility for federal funding on not imposing COVID‑19 vaccination requirements. The bill does not create new programs or spending; it makes continued access to federal funds contingent on institutions removing COVID‑19 vaccine mandates for students and staff.