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Statement Regarding Vaccine Mandate Legislation

October 15, 2021
Tracy M. Richardson News

For several months, members of the Ohio House of Representatives have pursued a path to protecting the rights of Ohioans from mandatory COVID-19 vaccination.  My position has always been that the government must not mandate the vaccination and that no Ohioan should be terminated from work or expelled from school for deciding not to COVID-19 vaccinate (regardless of FDA approval).

This week, the Republican Caucus seriously considered a number of amendments to HB435 with a goal to present a sub bill for vote on the House Floor.

Contained in the HB435 sub bill were amendments to improve the bill.  I have deliberately and steadfastly worked to find a way to provide freedom from mandatory COVID vaccination and limit government overreach. Most significantly, I provided an amendment which became part of the sub bill.  This amendment granted an exemption from COVID -19 vaccination (regardless of FDA status) for any Ohioan in any school or business (public or private) who requested such freedom with a written statement. The language of the amendment stated the exemption must be accepted by the school or business. Moreover, the amendment would ensure that no individual could be terminated from work or expelled from school for failure to COVID-19 vaccinate. HB435 is the closest bill I've seen to gaining consensus on preventing mandatory vaccines since March.

Disappointingly and frustratingly, the Republican Caucus still did not have consensus on the bill. The Speaker of the House made the following public statement regarding mandatory vaccination:  "This is an important and personal issue for all Ohioans and those who represent them.  Just as there are widely differing views among Ohioans on this issue, it's certainly not a surprise that there are varying perspectives among their legislative representatives as well," he said. "It is important to have consensus within our caucus on how best to move forward.  After countless hours of hearings and deliberation on this topic, there is still no consensus on how or whether to move forward."

The path forward is not clear at this time.  However, I'm hopeful and committed to working with others to create a solution that will ensure freedom and protect Ohioans from mandatory COVID-19 vaccination.