CMA Continues Opposition in Latest Attempt to Limit Vaccine Mandates

This week involved a whirlwind of activity at the Statehouse on vaccine mandate legislation, with the end result being that there is no change in Ohio law, at least at this point.

Background: HB 248 was an attempt by strong advocates to remove vaccine mandates in Ohio for virtually all vaccines. After hours of testimony over the past few months in the Ohio House Health Committee, this bill failed to move forward. As a result of this failure, there was an attempt at an internal legislative maneuver to force a discharge this bill from committee. This discharge petition effort also failed.

In response to all of this, leadership in the Ohio House attempted to find a policy in HB 435 that would allow mandates, but require broad exemptions. This bill was introduced, passed out of committee (without any opportunity for testimony), and scheduled for a floor vote - all in less than 24 hours.  

The CMA joined a coalition of medical and business groups in opposing HB 435. Additionally, the strong anti-vaccine mandate organizations also opposed this attempt. The bill was not voted on after all.

HB 435 now resides in the House Rules Committee, where it can be amended and return to the floor on short notice. No next steps are clear at this point. For more information on the latest version of HB 435, click here and here.