Richardson Supports Upholding Freedom and the Rights of Ohioans Regarding COVID-19 Vaccine Mandates

COLUMBUS – The Ohio House of Representatives Thursday approved sweeping COVID-19 freedom legislation that protects employees and students from vaccine mandates. The bill also bans “vaccine passports.”

State Representative Tracy Richardson (R-Marysville) voted in support of House Bill 218. This legislation is the result of extensive debate and deliberation by state lawmakers and provides comprehensive exemptions for employees and students.

“Protecting the rights and freedoms of Ohioans is something I take very seriously and thoughtfully. This is a bill that protects the rights and freedoms of Ohioans on a deeply personal issue: their health,” said Richardson. “House Bill 218 incorporates the principles from my own House Bill 477. While I don’t agree with all elements of House Bill 218, it is the result of extensive debate and collaboration. I have heard the outcry from my constituents asking for a solution and the bill is a good step forward in upholding freedom.”

The bill ensures most Ohioans would be empowered to refuse mandated COVID-19 vaccinations by claiming an exemption for medical reasons, natural immunity as demonstrated by the presence of COVID-19 antibodies, and reasons of personal conscience which also include religious convictions.

These exemptions would be available for employees across the state and students at Ohio’s public and private schools, colleges and universities. 

A written statement is all that would be required for students or employees to receive the exemption. The bill also allows for students or employees to seek relief in the event of a violation, including legal action.

Additionally, the bill bans “vaccine passport” requirements from being imposed for entry into a public building or private business.

Moreover, the bill prohibits public and private K-12 schools, colleges and universities from discriminating against a student based on their vaccination status while in a school setting or on school property.

Other elements of the bill include:

·         Employers and schools must honor and accept any exemption claimed based on personal conscience. The bill prohibits businesses and schools from terminating employees and expelling students based on their exemption status.

·         Employees of a children’s hospital, an intensive care or critical care unit of a hospital, would not be able to receive a vaccine exemption, under the bill. However, a hospital must make a good faith attempt to provide equitable employment to an individual who refuses to get a vaccine.

·         Schools and employers would be prohibited from requiring a student or employee to receive a vaccine if it has not been issued a biologics license or otherwise been granted full approval by the FDA.

·         Extends through June 2023 provisions from House Bill 606 (133rd General Assembly) that would protect employers from COVID-19 liability under certain circumstances.

·         The bill sunsets on September 30, 2025.

“When individual rights are challenged and pushed to extremes, I will take a stand- I must take a stand. We are Americans,” Richardson added. 

House Bill 218 will now head to the Ohio Senate for further consideration.