On June 22, 2021, the Ohio House Health Committee heard additional opponent testimony on Sub. House Bill (HB) 248, anti-vaccination legislation that would undermine and weaken the public health infrastructure in Ohio. Even though the chair had indicated a possible vote on the bill, a vote was delayed as the chair indicated additional amendments would be forthcoming as would additional testimony (both proponent and opponent) at the next hearing of the House Health Committee.
Among those testifying against the bill on June 22, 2021, were the Ohio Chamber of Commerce and the Ohio Manufacturers Association. The Ohio Academy of Family Physicians (OAFP) is strongly opposed to the bill and has testified to that fact.
The OAFP is also monitoring two additional vaccine bills – HB 350 which pertains only to the COVID-19 vaccine, and Senate Bill (SB) 169. Both bills prohibit any entity from making the COVID-19 vaccine mandatory.
On June 24, 2021, House Republicans added an amendment to SB 111 that prohibits a public or private entity from requiring vaccination using a vaccine that has not received full Food and Drug Administration approval, and prohibiting discrimination against individuals who have not taken a vaccine. SB 111 sends $422 million in stimulus funds to townships and other non-entitlement governmental entities. SB 111 now goes back to the Ohio Senate where Senators will determine whether to concur with the House’s amendments.