Texas Gov. Abbott Signs Bill Banning Vaccine Passports
'No business or government entity can require a person to provide a vaccine'
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Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has signed a new measure banning vaccine passports in his state, according to reports.
Abbott joined other Republican states like Florida and Alabama who took similar actions last month.
Abbott said in a video on Monday:
“Texas is open 100 percent, and we want to make sure that you have the freedom to go where you want without limits."
“The Texas Legislature passed a law that I’m about to sign that prohibits vaccine passports in Texas."
"No business or government entity can require a person to provide a vaccine passport or any other vaccine information as a condition of receiving any service or entering any place,” he continued.
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“Vaccine passports are now prohibited in the Lone Star State,” the Republican governor said after signing the measure, Senate Bill 968, into law:
Texas is open 100%.
— Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) June 7, 2021
Texans should have the freedom to go where they want without any limits, restrictions, or requirements.
Today, I signed a law that prohibits any TX business or gov’t entity from requiring vaccine passports or any vaccine information. pic.twitter.com/JQXOe4cHgY
Those who violate the law risk losing state contracts.
Additionally, state agencies “that oversee various sectors of business may decide to make compliance with the state law a condition of getting licensed or permitted,” the Texas Tribune reported.
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In May, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis issued a statewide ban on vaccine passports, with any business or school that requires proof of COVID-19 vaccination being dealt a hefty fine.
“In Florida, your personal choice regarding vaccinations will be protected, and no business or government entity will be able to deny you services based on your decision,” DeSantis said at the time of the bill’s signing.
Under the new legislation, Florida will fine any business or school $5,000 each time it requires a “vaccine passport.”
In May, Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey also signed Senate Bill 267, which stops “state and local governments from issuing vaccine passports to Alabamians.”
It also prevents businesses in the state from refusing service to a customer based on their vaccination status.
But the measure doesn't stop employers from requiring employees to get vaccinated.
Other states taking action against vaccine passports include:
- Arizona
- Indiana
- Idaho
- Montana
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
