Nearly 20 vaccine passport models are currently under development in the United States. The documents, digital and paper certificates showing proof of vaccination for COVID-19, will afford certain living necessities and privileges to vaccinated individuals only. After signing an executive order on April 2 banning vaccine passports, Governor Ron DeSantis promised to push through legislation to protect Floridians from these unconstitutional governmental policies. The governor followed through by introducing amendments to HB7047, a bill that limits governmental powers during times of emergency. The next day, April 21, 2021, the Senate adopted the same language into SB2006, which means there is now a companion bill to HB7047.
HB7047 and SB2006 prohibit government entities from requiring documentation of COVID-19 vaccination or post-infection recovery to enter a government location or obtain government services. The prohibition applies to the state, any political subdivision of the state, independent establishments of the state, counties, municipalities, districts, authorities, boards, commissions and agencies.
The bill also prohibits Florida businesses from requiring customers to provide documentation of COVID-19 vaccination, or post-infection recovery, to enter their establishment or access their services. The prohibition applies to all businesses types — corporations, partnerships, associations, cooperatives, joint ventures, business trusts, sole proprietorships, charitable organizations and nonprofit organizations operating in the state.
Similarly, the bill also prohibits educational institutions from requiring students or residents to provide documentation of COVID-19 vaccination or post-infection recovery to enter the institution or obtain its services. The prohibition applies to public and nonpublic preschools, elementary schools, middle schools, junior high schools, secondary schools, career centers and postsecondary schools.
HB7047 and SB2006 authorize the Department of Health (DOH) to issue fines to businesses, educational institutions and government entities for violations. DOH can issue fines of up to $5,000 per violation. This gives the bill added weight through enforcement measures against entities that don’t comply with the legislation.
Unfortunately, both HB7047 and SB2006 do not provide protections for healthcare workers. Under the legislation, all healthcare facilities, practitioners and professionals are exempt from the passport prohibition.
Getting this bill passed into law is crucial, as it limits oppressive government overreach. Vaccine passports are being dubbed “a true medical apartheid” that’s disallowing healthy, law-abiding citizens from participating in society if they choose not to receive the experimental COVID-19 jab. We also believe that passports present a serious threat to your fundamental rights. That’s why HB7047/SB2006 is so important and must be passed into law.
The legislative session ends May 1, so there’s no time to spare! Click now to make it clear to your elected officials that personal choice, not public pressure or intimidation tactics, must be *the* only factor in getting a COVID-19 vaccine. Urge your legislators to protect your basic human rights and civil rights and to vote YES on HB7047 and SB2006.