Yesterday was the first day of the 2021 Kentucky Legislative Session. It is going to be an unusual year with changes made to various aspects of the legislative process, including how citizens can participate in the process.
Several bills were filed that we want to share with you. Some of these bills were pre-filed and were previously known under their BR (bill request) number. Going forward for the rest of the 2021 session, they will be known by their HB or SB number.
☑️HB 36 (BR301)- S. Maddox and 8 co-sponsors. "AN ACT relating to ensuring basic liberties regarding immunizations and *declaring an emergency."
This bill eliminates language from KRS 214.036 that would allow the Cabinet for Health and Family Services to vaccinate "all persons" in the event of an "epidemic." This is the bill for which many of you have already voiced your support when it was known as BR 301. We urge you to keep showing your support by asking your House Representative to support and co-sponsor HB 36.
See the details and read the full bill at https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/record/21rs/HB36.html
(click on the link for Introduced to see the full bill text.)
☑️SB 8- M. Wilson- "AN ACT relating to exceptions to mandatory immunization requirements and *declaring an emergency." (This bill was first filed as SB28, then withdrawn and filed again as SB8.)
This is a newly filed bill with some interesting language. It adds to the current vaccine exemptions for schools and daycares exemptions for "conscientiously held beliefs." This language is proposed to be added to all places in existing statute where exemptions are listed. This bill also takes a different approach than HB 36 to the "epidemic" language in KRS 214.036. Rather than eliminating the language, HB 8 provides for exemptions to any mandatory vaccination in the event of an epidemic.
Contact your state Senator and ask them to support and co-sponsor SB 8.
See details and read the full bill at https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/record/21rs/SB8.html
(click on the link for Introduced to see the full bill text.)
☑️HB 101 (BR 892)- M. Hart and one co-sponsor- "AN ACT prohibiting vaccination requirements for postsecondary education students."
https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/record/21rs/HB101.html
(click on the link for Introduced to see the full bill text.)
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☑️SB 37 (BR 418)- R. Girdler- "AN ACT relating to immunization and declaring an emergency."
This bill is, in part, identical to HB 36. It differs in that it adds a section to prohibit required immunization of any employee by an employer.
https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/record/21rs/SB37.html
(click on the link for Introduced to see the full bill text.)
Update 1/13/21
Since this post was first published, SB28 was withdrawn and re-filed as SB8. Also, SB98 was filed.
SB 98 - A. Southworth- "AN ACT relating to immunizations."
Amend KRS 344.010 to define "immunization"; amend KRS 344.040 to prohibit employers from discriminating against an individual who declines immunization or requiring immunization as a condition of employment.
https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/record/21rs/sb98.html
(click on the link for Introduced to see the full bill text.)
Going Forward
Be sure to check back for updates on our website and social media as these bills hopefully advance.
For info on contacting your legislators, click here.
*In this context, declaring an emergency means that this bill, if passed, it would take effect more quickly than a bill without this provision.