Bill Overview
Title: SMALL GOVT Act of 2022
Description: This bill prohibits discrimination against individuals on the basis of their COVID-19 vaccination status or natural immunity to the virus. It also sets out informed consent requirements for COVID-19 vaccines. Specifically, the bill prohibits the use of federal funds to discriminate against (or induce discrimination against) an individual on the basis of COVID-19 vaccination status or natural immunity to the virus by, for example, restricting access to employment or health care. The bill prohibits the use of federal funds to administer COVID-19 vaccines without a patient's informed consent. The informed consent must comply with applicable requirements for the state in which the vaccine is administered, and patients must confirm their consent in writing.
Sponsors: Rep. Bilirakis, Gus M. [R-FL-12]
Target Audience
Population: People subject to policies or mandates regarding their COVID-19 vaccination status or natural immunity
Estimated Size: 150000000
- This bill concerns COVID-19 vaccination status, which is relevant to anyone who has not been vaccinated, those who have natural immunity from a previous infection, and those who are subject to vaccine mandates or restrictions.
- Globally, billions of people have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, and vaccination campaigns have been deployed in nearly all countries.
- Assuming the majority of adults have been faced with decisions regarding vaccination, employment, or healthcare access related to vaccination status, a large segment of global population who have had COVID-19 or have been vaccinated could be impacted.
Reasoning
- The policy primarily affects individuals with concerns or issues regarding COVID-19 vaccinations, such as unvaccinated individuals, those with natural immunity, and people facing employment or healthcare access issues related to mandates.
- Considering a population of 150 million in the US potentially affected by this policy, we chose a mix of individuals who represent common and less common scenarios.
- The budget constraints suggest a focus on significant individual impacts, potentially concentrating on a smaller number of cases with higher individual effect.
- The commonness ratings help to show what proportion of the population might share similar experiences or feelings.
Simulated Interviews
nurse (Texas)
Age: 34 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I felt restricted by vaccination mandates at work.
- The policy would make me feel more secure in my job choice without fear of mandates.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
tech worker (California)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I believe vaccinations were necessary to curb the pandemic; this policy won't change much for me.
- While I understand some people's hesitance, I trust the science.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
teacher (Florida)
Age: 29 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm worried this policy might make it less safe for my family.
- I hope precautions at the school remain strict for now.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 4 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 4 | 5 |
small business owner (New York)
Age: 42 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 8.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I think the policy might ease some operational constraints I've faced.
- Less mandate pressure is appreciated, but I still value public safety.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
retired (Ohio)
Age: 65 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I feel more protected with this policy in place regarding healthcare access.
- The focus on informed consent is a positive.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
college student (Illinois)
Age: 21 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I hope this policy respects my decision to avoid additional shots if I choose.
- College mandates were a bit much at times.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 7 |
factory worker (Georgia)
Age: 38 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I feel like this policy could protect my job and make employers rethink mandates.
- I don't think mandates help productivity.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 4 |
freelance writer (Washington)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Travel regulation changes could affect my work; I prefer consistency instead.
- This policy may create confusion across states.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 7 |
healthcare worker (Michigan)
Age: 55 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm pleased with the informed consent focus, regardless of vaccination status.
- Healthcare trust is critical.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
retired (Indiana)
Age: 62 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I want to travel freely without worrying about mandates.
- The policy is a comforting sign of returning normalcy.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $250000000 (Low: $200000000, High: $300000000)
Year 2: $250000000 (Low: $200000000, High: $300000000)
Year 3: $250000000 (Low: $200000000, High: $300000000)
Year 5: $250000000 (Low: $200000000, High: $300000000)
Year 10: $250000000 (Low: $200000000, High: $300000000)
Year 100: $250000000 (Low: $200000000, High: $300000000)
Key Considerations
- Enforcement of the informed consent requirements could require substantial federal oversight.
- Potential legal challenges or adjustments in federal funding distribution may arise.
- Public health implications on COVID-19 policy enforcement and funding allocations need to be monitored.