Once again, the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry is fighting against a bill aimed at mandating workplace vaccination policies.
HB 1187, sponsored by Rep. Brian Seitz (R-Branson), would prohibit hospitals or health care facilities from requiring an employee to be immunized or disciplining them for their refusal to get the COVID- 19 vaccine. Private businesses would also be prohibited from requiring employees to get the COVID-19 vaccine or requiring proof of vaccination for entrance. This bill also establishes pathways for job-killing lawsuits against employers with vaccine requirements.
Since the legislative session began, the Missouri Chamber has led the effort to oppose this and other vaccination mandate legislation, standing up against efforts by state government to determine workplace vaccination policy.
During a recent hearing on HB 1187 before the House Emerging Issues Committee, Kara Corches, vice president of governmental affairs for the Missouri Chamber, reiterated the Missouri Chamber’s position: Let business decide.
“We take umbridge with the general statement that businesses are just trying to trample on individuals’ civil liberties,” Corches said. “Businesses are just trying to support and protect their employees. They really believe that employees are their greatest assets.
“It was unforeseen times during the COVID pandemic as business owners were faced with difficult decisions, like whether or not to close their doors. Do we require vaccines? And if we don’t, will we get sued? I don’t believe businesses should be villainized, and we need to remember that businesses also have rights.”
For more information, contact Corches at kcorches@mochamber.com or call 573-634-3511.
