Multiple Bills Introduced that Interfere with Vaccine Access

February 10, 2022

The 2022 Legislature is only in its second week, but already several bills that increase barriers to vaccines have been introduced in St. Paul. 

On the first day of session, Sen. Bruce Anderson (R-Buffalo) introduced SF2607, which would require healthcare providers to provide a new list of specific disclosures to the patient before administering a vaccine. Presented as improving informed consent, the impact would be to dissuade the patient from getting vaccinated. Providers would be required to disclose “that the healthcare provider administering the vaccine is not liable for harm to the patient caused by the vaccine or its administration,” and “that the patient, or the patient's parent or guardian if the patient is a minor, may decline some or all vaccines,” among other similar disclosures. The bill also includes a lengthy “Vaccine Consent Form,” to be filled out for every vaccine administered. 

Other bills have been introduced that would prohibit enforcement of government vaccine mandates. SF2820, introduced by Sen. Andrew Mathews (R-Princeton), and HF2694, introduced by Rep. Eric Lucero (R-St. Michael), would allow proof of presence of natural antibodies as an alternative to vaccination against COVID-19, a practice contradicting the Center for Diseases Control and Prevention public health guidelines. Other bills outlaw governments from enforcing face mask requirements, from prescribing distance between customers in private businesses, and from showing proof of vaccination to enter private businesses. 

Lastly, HF2834, introduced by Rep. Tim Miller (R-Prinsburg), would require a provider to notify a patient whether a vaccine is developed or manufactured using aborted fetal tissue. This is in response to critics who believe the use of such vaccines conflicts with their religious beliefs.