Bill banning COVID vaccine requirements gets initial approval from Missouri House

By Alyse Pfeil

Columbia Missourian

More than three years since the designation of COVID-19 as a pandemic, Missouri House members spent part of Tuesday afternoon debating whether COVID-19 vaccines save lives.

A bill sponsored by state Rep. Bill Hardwick, R-Waynesville, would prohibit public schools and public agencies from implementing COVID-19 vaccine requirements.

The bill would require universities and private sector employers who have COVID-19 vaccines requirements to grant exemptions to students and employees who hold a “sincerely held religious belief” or have a written recommendation from a licensed physician.

Hardwick sponsored a similar bill he last year.

The House debate revealed the persistence of a stark partisan divide on COVID-19. Democrats opposed the bill, arguing that health experts who say COVID-19 vaccines save lives should be trusted. Republican supporters of the legislation cast doubt on the efficacy and safety of vaccines.

Rep. Michael Burton, D-Lakeshire, opposed the bill during floor debate. “From what all the health professionals have told us … these COVID vaccines have saved millions of lives,” he said.

Burton asked Rep. Lisa Thomas, R-Lake Ozark, a psychiatrist, if she believes COVID-19 vaccines have saved lives.

“It’s possible,” Thomas replied. “But I don’t see a tremendous amount of data in that respect … It does not prevent you from getting the illness or passing it on.”

Bill sponsor Hardwick said he was unsure if COVID-19 vaccines have saved more lives than they’ve taken.

Rep. Patty Lewis, a Kansas City Democrat and a nurse, said it is necessary to lean on guidance from health experts like epidemiologists for information about COVID-19 and encouraged her colleagues to vote “no” on the bill.

The bill ultimately received preliminary House approval on a voice vote despite vocal opposition. It needs to be approved one more time by the House before it heads to the Senate.