(Indianapolis, IN) - State Rep. Jim Pressel (R-Rolling Prairie) has announced that he is co-authoring legislation to help end the statewide public health emergency and protect Hoosier workers.

 

House Bill 1001 would allow the state public health emergency to expire by allowing Indiana to continue receiving the same federal reimbursements for SNAP and Medicaid provided under the emergency declaration and maintain the state's ability to hold voluntary community vaccination clinics.

 

Holcomb recently announced that he will keep the state of emergency and the remaining, but limited, executive order in place until lawmakers take action in January. 

Pressel said the legislation filed at the Statehouse would also require businesses to accept medical and religious exemptions if they require the COVID-19 vaccine as a condition of employment, signaling a victory for those against vaccine mandates. In addition to allowing the option for COVID-19 testing for employees, employers must also pay for the tests and not pass those costs on to their employees. 

 

"As we look to end the state of emergency, I'm committed to working with fellow legislators to push this proposal across the finish line," Pressel said. "I'll also continue listening to employers and employees impacted by vaccine mandates in order to strike a balance for all stakeholders."

Pressel encouraged local workers and business owners to continue reaching out to him with questions and comments at h20@iga.in.gov or by calling 317-232-9815.

The 2022 legislative session begins in January.