Mass. petition would ban proof-of-vaccination requirements for COVID-19, mRNA vaccines and "gene-altering" procedures

Sen. Peter J. Durant filed a bill Jan. 16 that would bar the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and its subdivisions from requiring proof of vaccination against COVID-19, proof of an mRNA vaccine or proof of a "gene-altering procedure" as a condition of entry to the state, entry to public buildings, enrollment or attendance at schools and colleges, or access to private businesses and places of public accommodation. The measure was filed as Senate No. 539 and referred to the Joint Committee on Emergency Preparedness and Management. The bill would add a new Section 245 to Chapter 111 of the General Laws and would amend the first paragraph of Section 92A of Chapter 272. The proposed language says, "Notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, the commonwealth shall not require proof of vaccination against COVID-19, mRNA vaccine, or gene-altering procedure as a condition of entry to the Commonwealth," and extends the prohibition to state agencies, authorities, political subdivisions, public buildings, public and private schools and institutions of higher education, private business entry and employment access, and places of public accommodation, resorts and amusements. The filing lists Daniel Seitz and Alyson M. Sullivan-Almeida as co-petitioners. The bill text does not define the term "gene-altering procedure," and does not specify enforcement mechanisms, penalties, or how conflicts with existing public-health requirements would be resolved. The filing also notes a similar matter filed in the previous legislative session as House No. 734 (2023-2024). As introduced, the measure is a petition to enact law; it has not been debated or voted on by the General Court. The next formal step is committee referral and any hearings the committee may schedule, after which the committee could report the bill out with recommendations, amend it, or take no action.