The Louisiana House approves a bill that could result in fines of up to $50,000 on hospitals, public agencies, and other employers for mandating the COVID-19 vaccine. Bill sponsor, Monroe Representative Michael Echols…
“There’s government entities in south Louisiana, in particular around New Orleans requiring or mandating the vaccine. And then there are spotty instances across the state where businesses are still doing it. I think it’s an egregious overreach and that’s why I’m doing the bill.”
Small businesses, defined by the SBA of 500 employees or less, who violate the ban would be fined $10 thousand dollars. Large businesses would face a $50 thousand fine.
If passed, Echols said the bill would empower the state Attorney General’s Office to investigate complaints about employers.
“In the event that an employer or government entity was mandating a vaccine like COVID. The COVID vaccine in particular, they can investigate and penalize them if they did try to mandate that.”
The bill also includes restrictions on mask mandates, prohibiting employers from enforcing them as a preventive measure against COVID-19.
Echols says the bill’s provisions reflect ongoing debates among his constituents. He says opponents advocate for public health measures. But he believes it’s about individual freedom.
“I think it’s just the pendulum swinging back towards logic and reason to put the power back into people’s hands. If you want a vaccine then go get it, but a business or government can not force you to do it.”
The bill heads to the Senate for discussion.
