SB 618 passed Pennsylvania House

It’s likely to be vetoed by Gov. Wolf, but it’s a good stand for the General Assembly to take anyway.

Press release from Republican House members:

House OKs Bill to Prohibit Vaccine Passports, Preserve Medical Freedom in PA 

The General Assembly has approved and sent to the governor’s desk legislation that would preserve medical freedoms for Pennsylvanians by prohibiting the use of vaccine passports and narrowing the powers of the Department of Health. 

Senate Bill 618 would prohibit a school district, institution of higher education or other government entity from requiring proof of a COVID-19 vaccination to use a service, enter a building or undertake an activity. Institutions of higher education would include a post-secondary institution that receives state funds, including funds from the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA). 

The bill also would prohibit the expenditure of tax dollars to create an electronic vaccine tracking system. 

Finally, the bill would narrow the authority of the secretary of Health relating to issues under the Disease Prevention and Control Act. Specifically, the secretary could not order the closure of a business or other entity or require an individual who has not been exposed or potentially exposed to a contagious disease to physically distance from others, wear a face covering, conduct a specific hygiene practice, shelter in place, quarantine or isolate from other individuals or restrict travel. 

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