Legislation to ban state and local governments from requiring proof of a COVID-19 vaccination to enter public places and private businesses cleared the House this week.
Lawmakers voted 64-31 to approve House Bill 990, sponsored by Rep. Thomas Pressly, R-Shreveport, to prohibit state and local governments from requiring proof of vaccination as a condition of entry to public spaces and businesses.
“This bill does three things: First, it prohibits public mandates of vaccines for COVID vaccines for entry on to public or private property and to receive goods or services,” Pressly said on Wednesday. “It also has in provision B, deals with federal law and avoids preemption issues.
“And then, third, it allows businesses to make the decision on whether or not to implement their own policies for their business,” he said.
Rep. Beryl Amedée, R-Gray, offered an amendment to the bill that would have removed the third provision, which reads “nothing in this part shall be interpreted or construed to prohibit or otherwise impede the rights of a private business or other private entity wishing to implement any policy, procedure, or requirement regarding COVID-19 vaccinations.”
“Removing Section C does not impact the overall intent of the bill,” she said. “The intent of the bill is to prohibit governmental discrimination based on COVID vaccination status. Section C isn’t needed in order to accomplish this goal. … Read More (thecentersquare)