Sen. Jim Tomes

A SENATE RESOLUTION memorializing Stephen Harp and recognizing his life-long commitment to public service.

Provides, for purposes of the obligation of a father whose paternity of a child has been established to pay at least 50% of the mother's pregnancy and childbirth expenses, that pregnancy and childbirth expenses include health insurance premiums paid by the mother with respect to the mother's pregnancy and the child's birth. Establishes a duration within which a pregnancy and childbirth expense must be incurred in order for the obligation to apply to the expense. Creates a civil right of action, independent of a civil action to establish paternity, by which the mother of a child may enforce the obligation.

A SENATE RESOLUTION memorializing the life of Zachary Steven Eckert.

Establishes the armed forces reservist tuition supplement program fund (fund). Provides that the fund shall be used to provide annual scholarships to members of a reserve component of the armed forces of the United States, not including the Army or Air National Guard, under certain conditions. Provides that scholarships issued under the fund may be renewed under certain criteria.

Makes the current offense of carrying a handgun without a license applicable only to persons who are at least 18 years of age but less than 21 years of age. Allows certain persons who are at least 21 years of age to possess or carry a handgun without a license unless the person fits into one of several categories, including a person who: (1) has been convicted of, or arrested for, specified crimes or delinquent offenses; (2) has been prohibited by a court from possessing a handgun or has been found by a court to be dangerous; or (3) has been found by a court to be mentally incompetent, has been involuntarily committed, or has been the subject of a 90 day or regular commitment. Allows certain persons who: (1) do not meet the requirements to receive a license to carry a handgun; and (2) are not otherwise barred from carrying or possessing a handgun by state law; to carry a handgun in specified instances. Makes it a Class A misdemeanor for particular persons to possess or carry a handgun. Increases the penalty to a Level 5 felony in some instances. Defines certain terms. Makes conforming amendments and repeals obsolete provisions. Makes a technical correction.

Prohibits specified health care professionals from: (1) performing certain medical procedures on a minor; or (2) subjecting a minor to certain activities; that purposely attempt to change, reinforce, or affirm a minor's perception of the minor's own sexual attraction or sexual behavior, or attempt to change, reinforce, or affirm a minor's gender identity when the identity is inconsistent with the minor's biological sex.

Prohibits an employer from requiring an employee or prospective employee to inject, ingest, inhale, or otherwise incorporate an immunization in the employee's or prospective employee's body as a condition of employment or as a condition of receiving additional compensation or benefits. Allows for a civil action against an employer for a violation.

Defines a "firearm entity" as any of the following: (1) A manufacturer, wholesaler, distributor, supplier, or retailer of firearms, firearms accessories, or ammunition. (2) An entity that operates an area for target or other recreational shooting. (3) A firearm trade association. Prohibits a governmental entity from entering into a contract with a company for the purchase of goods or services unless the contract includes a written attestation by the company that: (1) the company does not have a practice, policy, guidance, or directive that discriminates against a firearm entity based solely on the entity's status as a firearm entity; and (2) during the term of the contract, the company will not discriminate against a firearm entity based solely on the entity's status as a firearm entity. Provides that, with certain exceptions, the bill's provisions apply to a contract that: (1) has a value of at least $100,000; (2) is to be paid partly or wholly from public funds; (3) is between a governmental entity and a company with at least 10 full-time employees; and (4) is entered into after June 30, 2022. Specifies actions that constitute discrimination against a firearm entity for purposes of these provisions.

Establishes the logjam removal fund through the department of natural resources for the purpose of removing logjams or obstructions in waterways.

Prohibits an employer from requiring, as a condition of employment, an employee or prospective employee to receive any immunization if the immunization would pose a significant risk to the employee's or prospective employee's health or if receiving the immunization is against the employee's religious beliefs or conscience. Allows for a civil action against an employer for a violation.