STATEHOUSE (Dec. 1, 2021) – State Reps. Elizabeth Rowray (R-Yorktown) and J.D. Prescott (R-Union City) announced today they are co-authoring legislation to help end the statewide public health emergency and protect Hoosier workers.
House Bill 1001 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.
Rowray said the legislation filed Monday at the Statehouse would also require businesses to accept medical and religious exemptions, if they require the COVID-19 vaccine as a condition of employment.
"We want Hoosier workers to know that we support them and their individual rights," Rowray said. "This legislation helps ensure employers recognize vaccine exemptions for those with medical reasons or deeply held religious beliefs. I look forward to joining my House colleagues in making sure this bill moves through the process quickly when session begins in January."
Local workers and business owners with questions and comments can continue reaching out to Rowray at h35@iga.in.gov and Prescott at h33@iga.in.gov, or by calling 1-800-382-9841.
"Hoosiers have asked for the General Assembly to take action against invasive vaccine mandates, and the legislation filed Monday helps address this federal overreach," Prescott said. "I, along with many of my colleagues, value individual rights, and I'll continue to support efforts that protect workers who are being forced to choose between providing for their families or giving up their rights."
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. Elizabeth Rowray (R-Yorktown) represents House District 35,
which includes portions of Delaware and Madison counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. J.D. Prescott (R-Union City) represents House District 33,
which includes Jay and Randolph counties, and a portion of Delaware County.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo
