DES MOINES, Iowa - A bill in the Iowa legislature would ban employers from requiring workers to get vaccinations. Schools would also not be allowed to require students be vaccinated.
State Epidemiologist Caitlin Pedati spoke at a hearing on the bill Tuesday, saying it could lead to under vaccinated populations during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The bill was passed by a subcommittee on a party line vote. (Two Republicans in favor, One Democrat opposed).
It's backed by a group of Republicans, including State Senator Jim Carlin, who announced this week that he's running for the U.S. Senate seat held by Chuck Grassley.
The measure is also supported by anti vaccination groups, including Informed Iowa Choice. It's opposed by health and business groups, including the Iowa Hospital Association and the Iowa Bankers Association.
Drug manufacturer Pfizer, which is one the lead providers of the COVID-19 vaccination, also opposes the bill.
Current law allows employers to require workers to get vaccinations.
The bill, Senate File 193, would bar employers, schools, insurance companies and health care providers from discriminating against people who are not vaccinated or requiring them to be vaccinated.
It could see action in the full Senate Human Resources Committee Thursday.