NH Joins Lawsuit Challenging Federal COVID-19 Vaccination Mandate

A day after the Biden Administration released the rules for its mandate requiring companies with over 100 employees to take the COVID-19 vaccine the state of New Hampshire has joined a lawsuit seeking to stop it.

The first part of the mandate takes effect on Dec. 5 when non-vaccinated employees will be required to wear a mask in the workplace. Employees will have until Jan. 4 to provide proof to their employer of having received a full dosage of the COVID-19 vaccine or a weekly negative test.

Companies face a steep fine of nearly $14,000 per violation.

OSHA expects that most businesses will comply with the mandate and treat it like any other workplace regulation. enforcement of the policy will depend largely on employee complaints and spot inspections.

Attorney General John M. Formella Friday announced that New Hampshire has joined with the states of Missouri, Arizona, Nebraska, Montana, Arkansas, Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota, Alaska, and Wyoming, along with several private businesses and organizations who contend the mandate is illegal and an overreach by the federal government.

Formella said the mandate would impose a major burden on New Hampshire businesses and employees obligating him to take action.

“Today’s action continues our efforts to protect the State of New Hampshire from the federal government’s attempt to impose illegal mandates. As I have said previously, the available COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective, and every eligible person in New Hampshire is encouraged to get a COVID-19 vaccine," Formella said in a statement.

Gov. Chris Sununu, a supporter of COVID-19 vaccinations for everyone eligible to receive it does not back requirements to take the shot.

"As the head of state, I recognize the limitations of government in mandating this personal medical decision. President Biden has created a loophole to facilitate this overreach, which is why I fully support the Attorney General's decision to sign on to this lawsuit," Sununu said in a statement.

Contact reporter Dan Alexander at Dan.Alexander@townsquaremedia.com or via Twitter @DanAlexanderNH