TBA Law Blog


Posted by: Kate Prince on Dec 28, 2020

Several bills that would weaken state vaccination requirements will be up for consideration when the state legislature convenes in January, the Daily Memphian reports. State law currently allows parents to refuse to vaccinate their children for religious beliefs or practices, as long as the state is “in the absence of an epidemic or immediate threat of an epidemic.” HB0010/SB0007 sponsored by Rep. Jay Reedy, R-Erin, and Sen. Mark Pody, R-Lebanon, would eliminate the “pandemic clause,” allowing parents to forego having their children vaccinated against COVID-19. HB0013 from Rep. Bud Hensley, R-Kingsport, would prevent state or local authorities from “forcing, requiring, or coercing” a person to get a COVID-19 vaccine against their will. House Education Committee Chairm Mark White, R-Memphis, says he is conflicted about the issues and plans to hear from medical experts when considering the bills. “We need to have some hard discussions and be thoughtful about this. I think we’re going to have to do a lot of listening,” he said.