On Tuesday, the Indiana House of Representatives approved a measure that bans businesses from requiring COVID-19 vaccine from employees unless they permit certain exceptions.
Under the passed bill, employers could not oblige employees to get COVID-19 vaccinations unless they provide exemptions based on medical reasons, religious beliefs, or even immunity due to a previous COVID-19 infection.
A report said that as per the bill, employers can also provide regular COVID-19 tests at their own cost and later request reimbursement from the state’s COVID-19 relief allocation.
During a recent floor debate, Rep. Ed DeLaney (D-Indianapolis) argued with the bill’s sponsor Rep. Matt Lehman (R-Berne), on the bill’s possible impact. Lehman claimed he was working to preserve as many jobs as possible, particularly for health professionals who chose not to take the vaccine. When DeLaney asked Lehman about the number of jobs the bill could save, Lehman said he had no idea.
DeLaney said that not only would the legislation result in fewer people being vaccinated, it would also convey the message that it’s acceptable not to fulfill one’s civic duty.
“This tells our children that if you don’t like it, you don’t have to do it, and the state will back you up,” he said. “This teaches indifference and teaches anything other than civic responsibility.”
Lehman said he has personally been vaccinated against COVID-19 and encourages others to have it, but it’s ultimately an individual decision. The bill is said to balance the right of employers to establish safety and health standards while respecting the right of employees to take their own health choices.
“We’re dictating an option,” he said. “Nothing says you have. I can come in and get an exemption for any of these four things.”
The bill is now headed to the Senate. President Pro Tem Rodric Bray has yet to declare a formal position. Both Bray and Gov. Eric Holcomb previously said they are worried the bill incorporates the vaccine provisions with another measure that provides a legal framework for ending Holcomb’s state of emergency.
Holcomb has sought the language of the state of emergency but said he’d instead leave the vaccine issues as the responsibility of the employers.