In the aftermath of the pandemic, the Louisiana Senate passed HB 182 on Thursday. The bill in question addresses COVID-19 vaccine requirements in public and private schools, saying “no person shall be required to receive a COVID-19 vaccine as a condition of initial enrollment or continuing attendance at a public or nonpublic school[.]”
HB 182 now awaits Democrat Governor John Bel Edwards’ veto or signature. While Edwards hasn’t commented upon whether he would sign the bill, his administration’s history in relation to the COVID-19 vaccine sheds light on the issue.
On December 14, 2021, for instance, Edwards explained to the House Committee on Health and Welfare why he would like schools to require COVID-19 vaccinations.
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...I am allowing this rule to go into effect because it will save lives and will help Louisiana to emerge from this pandemic. The facts of this pandemic are crystal clear. By adding the COVID-19 vaccination to the immunization schedule, the Louisiana Department of Health and the State Health Officer are doing exactly as directed and authorized by the Louisiana Legislature[.]
However, the proposed rule fell through in May 2022, since the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) hadn’t approved the shot for those under 16 years of age. Up till now, schools were allowed to require COVID-19 vaccinations, but not mandated to do so.
Jack Applewhite of The Daily Caller notes that Edwards “has maintained moderate stances on issues in the past[.]”
Edwards’ track record suggests that he may not sign the bill into law, but the approval in both the House and Senate may compel him to support it.
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