Vaccine passport bill takes first step in Pennsylvania

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HARRISBURG, Pa. — Republicans in Pennsylvania’s state Senate are advancing legislation to prohibit governments and school districts from requiring a COVID-19 vaccination.

The Republican-penned bill passed the Senate Health and Human Services Committee on Monday along party lines, 6-4, with Democrats opposing it. The prohibition on so-called vaccine passports applies to state agencies, counties, municipalities and school districts, and bars them from requiring a proof of vaccination to use services, enter buildings or engage in activities.

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The bill doesn’t apply to private businesses or organizations. Democratic Sen. Art Haywood of Montgomery County says school districts already require vaccines, and may need the authority to require a COVID-19 vaccine for community safety.

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