Ducey Signs Executive Order Allowing Private Businesses To Require Vaccine Passports

PRIVATE BUSINESSES ARE NOT PROHIBITED FROM REQUIRING VACCINATION DOCUMENTATION IN ORDER TO PROVIDE SERVICES OR ALLOW ENTRY

April 19, 2021ADI Staff Reporter

On Monday, Governor Doug Ducey signed an Executive Order allowing private businesses to demand proof of vaccination, known as “vaccine passports,” before rendering services or access. Government agencies are prevented from requiring Arizonans to provide their COVID-19 vaccination status to receive service or enter an area.

“The residents of our state should not be required by the government to share their private medical information,” said Ducey in a press release. “While we strongly recommend all Arizonans get the COVID-19 vaccine, it’s not mandated in our state — and it never will be. Vaccination is up to each individual, not the government.”

Under the Executive Order, state agencies, counties, cities and towns cannot issue a measure that requires an individual to provide documentation of their COVID-19 vaccination status in order to enter a business, building or area or to receive a government service, permit or license. Businesses contracting with the state to provide services to the public also cannot require documentation.

Legislators had tried to prevent private businesses from requiring vaccination documentation in order to provide services or allow entry, however, Sen. David Livingston blocked those efforts.

Additionally, health care institutions may require COVID-19 vaccination status documentation of a patient, resident, employee or visitor. As permitted under state law, schools, child care centers and universities may also collect vaccination documentation.

The Executive Order guarantees that long-term care, health care institutions and other entities that collect vaccination documents under current law can still do so.

Rep. Bret Roberts congratulated Ducey for issuing his Executive Order.