A bill that would prohibit making the COVID-19 vaccine mandatory in certain places has passed the state Senate.
The new law would not allow state, county, and local governments, along with school districts, and public colleges and universities to require showing proof of a COVID-19 vaccine.
Supporters of the bills say the government should not have access to the public’s medical information. However, part of the bill would restrict the Secretary of Health’s emergency powers in future events—which was part of the reason why Democrat State Senator Jay Costa voted against the bill.
“Stripping powers away from a secretary in this Commonwealth is a pretty significant step. And to do so just because we’re unhappy with some of the decisions or maybe contracts that entered into, or things they’ve done through the course of the pandemic, to me, is not the way we should govern,” Costa said.
This bill however is expected to be vetoed by Governor Tom Wolf.
