A bill barring state and local governments from mandating COVID-19 vaccines is heading to the Tennessee Senate after passing the House on Wednesday. And the debate leading up to the 72-20 vote reflected vaccine attitudes – including misconceptions – that are held across the state.
Though Gov. Bill Lee has said he has no intention of pursuing a statewide COVID-19 vaccine requirement, the extent to which state agencies, local governments and private companies can and might mandate immunizations – be it to control the coronavirus or other vaccine-preventable diseases – has become a key point of contention among Tennessee lawmakers this session.
Rep. Susan Lynn, R-Mount Juliet, praised the bill, saying the potential for government-mandated COVID-19 vaccine requirements is a “huge concern” for her constituents, as well as her own family.
States’ authority to mandate vaccines to protect public health is well-established by long-standing Supreme Court precedent. All states require vaccines for school children and in some cases college students or health care workers.
Both federal and Tennessee law allow exemptions based on medical conditions or religious objections. However, no state currently mandates vaccinations, including for COVID-19, in the general adult population.