STATEHOUSE (Nov. 29, 2021) – State Rep. Matt Lehman (R-Berne) filed legislation at the Statehouse today to help end the statewide public health emergency and protect Hoosier workers.
House Bill 1001, authored by Lehman, would allow Gov. Eric Holcomb's state public health emergency to expire by ensuring Indiana could continue receiving the same federal reimbursements for SNAP and Medicaid, and maintain the state's ability to hold voluntary community vaccination clinics. Holcomb recently announced that he will keep the state of emergency and the remaining, but limited, executive order in place until lawmakers take action in January.
Lehman said his legislation would also require businesses to accept medical and religious exemptions, if they require the COVID-19 vaccine as a condition of employment.
"This proposal covers the three items the executive branch asked for as a condition for lifting the state of emergency, while also strengthening the rights of individual workers throughout Indiana," Lehman said. "I'll continue working with employers, employees, state leaders and stakeholders to ensure the final form of this legislation leads to the end of the state of emergency, protects our rights and also helps the state manage through the pandemic."
Lehman encouraged local workers and business owners to continue reaching out to him with questions and comments at h79@iga.in.gov or by calling 317-234-9380.
Visit iga.in.gov for more information on HB 1001, which will be considered during the 2022 legislative session kicking off in January.
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State Rep. Matt Lehman (R-Berne) represents House District 79,
which includes all of Adams County and portions of Allen and Wells counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
