No push-back from Democratic House members on bill surprisingly. Rohrback just closed debate. SB 3026 passes 81-15.
Next up is SB 3030, the bill making changes to the Intermediate Court of Appeals, including allowing virtual hearings.
Now to HB 335, the COVID-19 medical/religious exemptions bill. Here is my most recent story on that. theintelligencer.net/news/top-headl…
Del. Larry Rowe, D-Kanawha, asks if the bill also allows mandates at state and local government levels? @BrandonSteeleWV said it doesn’t require anyone create a mandate, but it simply allows medical/religious exemptions if mandates occur.
.@pushkinforhouse, the minority chair of of House Health, asked Steele if he got COVID twice. “Yes,” Steele said. @hansenevan also points out the bill doesn’t ban COVID-19 mandates.
Unsure if House Democratic members are trying a bit of reverse psychology to gain votes against the bill.
Hansen raises point that hospitals often require vaccines and already have processes in place for vetting medical/religious exemptions. Out of 100 religious exemptions made at a larger medical provider in the state, 15 were granted, Hansen said.
Of note: there appears to be several nurses in the House gallery watching this debate.
.@HeatherTully, a nurse, supports the bill. Said supporters of the bill are not anti-vax. Points out normal vaccines take 10-15 years to develop. Said fear of how the vaccine was so quickly developed is legitimate. Said bill merely balancing rights of employees and employers.
Tully also raises concerns about staffing shortages in healthcare due to those quitting or being fired for not taking the COVID vaccines.
Folks, this is where I have to bow out in order to get to the closing meeting for my House. You can listen/watch here if you are interested. youtube.com/watch?v=c9YRnZ…