News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
State Representative Ryan Williams said finding a balance in personal responsibility and personal liberty is the goal of this week’s special called session.
The General Assembly will debate on legislation related to vaccines, masks and other COVID restrictions starting this week. Williams said it will be a daunting task.
“I think what legislature is incoming upon is for them to make sure that we preserve liberty for people and the right to make a choice and their healthcare decisions be their own,” Williams said. “But yet, create an environment and community that is safe for our neighbors and ourselves.”
Williams said state leaders will look at HIPAA requirements regarding COVID mandates as well as the federal vaccine mandate for employers over 100 workers. Williams said he anticipates the session to take up to eight days.
“There is many constituents of mine in Putnam County who one I just heard today lost her job, because she choose not to get a vaccine, and it relates to if someone gets fired for that then there is no worker’s compensation coverage for them,” Williams said.
Williams said state leaders will also review a business’s immunity from COVID lawsuits. Last year, legislation passed that protects businesses if an employer contracts COVID while on the job. Williams said the question is should a business maintain immunity if they mandate a vaccine and health implications arise.
“Most of the discussions are going to be centered around those mandates and repercussions for businesses or institutions who choose to do a mandate,” Williams said. “I think one of the discussions that the Speaker communicated to the members about is possibly removing the immunity for COVID if somebody does issue a mandate.”
