Senate committee advances bill to bar employer COVID-19 vaccine mandates after hours of testimony

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 and customers. "Some private businesses are choosing to exercise their contract and property rights to only deal with individuals who are vaccinated," Silverstein said, arguing the state should not prevent employers from imposing safety measures.

Workers and family members described personal and financial stakes. Ashley Vance, who said she works 12-hour shifts in Sheridan, told the committee, "My job will be terminated as of January 1," and pleaded that lawmakers protect workers from losing their livelihoods. Pharmacy technician Chelsea Bittner cited VAERS figures and described having her religious exemption denied; she said health-care workers feel "retaliated against and humiliated." Nurse Kayla Henick said her employer set an Oct. 31 deadline and reported inconsistent exemption outcomes.

Business and state commerce representatives urged caution. Randy Zook of the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce said employers should retain discretion to set workplace safety rules and noted that United Airlines reported high compliance after announcing a vaccine policy. Jim Hudson of the Arkansas Department of Commerce warned that a pending federal OSHA rule and related executive actions could preempt state law and impose steep penalties on employers, which would "put them between a rock and a hard place."

Witnesses offered contested scientific and legal claims on vaccine safety, liability and compensation. Debbie Stevens recounted that a family member died after receiving a Johnson & Johnson vaccine; she asked lawmakers to preserve individual choice. Christie Reeves cited the National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act when questioning who would bear compensation costs for vaccine injuries. Several speakers urged that unemployment benefits or other support be available to people who lose work over vaccination status; others proposed that existing legal protections already balance competing rights.

After closing remarks by the sponsor, the committee moved "do pass as amended," a motion seconded by Senator Hester. The panel approved the motion by voice vote; the chair declared the bill passed out of committee and said it will move to the Senate floor for further consideration.

The measure’s specifics — including the scope of exemptions, whether unemployment compensation would be provided, and how the state would handle conflicts with pending federal requirements — were discussed repeatedly but not resolved in statute text during the hearing. The committee record shows a voice vote; the transcript contains no roll-call tally. The bill will next be scheduled for floor action in the Senate.