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Senate committee advances bill to bar employer COVID-19 vaccine mandates after hours of testimony
Summary
A Senate committee voted to advance Senate Bill 732, which would bar employers from requiring COVID-19 vaccinations of employees or customers, after hours of testimony from health workers, business representatives and citizens on safety, liberty and legal preemption concerns.
A Senate committee advanced legislation that would prohibit most employers from requiring COVID-19 vaccinations, moving the measure to the full Senate after hours of testimony from health-care workers, business groups and citizens.
Senator Blake Johnson, sponsor of Senate Bill 732, told the Public Health, Welfare and Labor Committee the measure protects Arkansans by preserving the state’s existing medical, religious and philosophical exemptions and by preventing coercive employment practices. Johnson said his amendment adds a positive incentive for vaccination and permits use of available federal funds to support implementation.
Opponents and proponents offered sharply different frames. Law professor Josh Silverstein testified against the bill in his individual capacity, saying private businesses should be allowed to require vaccines to protect employees…
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