By Jordan Gerard | Arizona Capitol Times
Key Points:
- Two bills propose giving Arizonans more health freedom
- Supporters say people should have the choice of deciding what they put into their bodies
- Opponents say the bills will drastically affect public health
Six years after the start of the Covid pandemic, health freedom and vaccine mandates are still major issues at the Arizona Legislature.
At least 17 bills related to vaccinations or medical interventions have been filed this year. Some of them concern insurance prohibitions or requirements, reporting requirements, studies related to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, exemptions and other related topics, but two bills are specifically aimed at the principle of health freedom.
House Bill 2248 would prohibit businesses, ticket issuers, schools, state, county and local governments or officials from requiring a person to receive or use a medical intervention or discriminate against a person based on whether the person has received or used a medical intervention. Rep. Lisa Fink, R-Glendale, filed the bill, which has since passed third reading in the House and the Senate.
House Concurrent Resolution 2056, subject to voter approval, would constitutionally recognize the right to refuse medical mandates and prohibits governments from requiring any person to receive or administer any medical treatment as a condition of employment, education or exercising any right or benefit. Rep. Nick Kupper, R-Surprise, filed the bill which currently awaits Senate floor action.
