STATEHOUSE (Dec. 1, 2021) – State Rep. Heath VanNatter (R-Kokomo) announced today that he is 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.
VanNatter 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.
"Protecting the individual rights of Hoosiers will always be a priority," VanNatter said. "This proposal would help do just that by strengthening vaccine exemptions under Indiana law. I look forward to helping move this legislation quickly through the process once lawmakers return to the Statehouse in January."
VanNatter encouraged local workers and business owners to continue reaching out to him with questions and comments at h38@iga.in.gov or by calling 317-234-9450.
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. Heath VanNatter (R-Kokomo) represents House District 38,
which includes portions of Carroll, Cass, Howard and Clinton counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
