INDIANAPOLIS — The Indiana Senate has endorsed a bill allowing administrative steps sought by Gov. Eric Holcomb that could result in the nearly two-year-old statewide COVID-19 public health emergency declaration ending later this week.
Senators voted 32-18 on Tuesday in favor of the proposal that doesn't include provisions pushed by Republican House members that would force businesses to give requested religious exemptions from COVID-19 vaccine requirements "without further inquiry."
Holcomb and Senate GOP leaders have sided with major business groups opposing the broad limitations backed by House members as wrongly interfering in business decisions.
The Senate version would require businesses to grant medical vaccine exemptions to workers along with religious exemptions as required by federal law and mandate that employers accept as a vaccine exemption a worker's medical test results showing some level of "natural immunity" through a previous infection. Employees could be required to undergo COVID-19 tests up to twice a week.
The actions sought by Holcomb would allow the state to keep receiving enhanced federal funding for Medicaid and food assistance programs.
The House and Senate must still agree on a single version of the proposal before it could go to Holcomb for his consideration.
Republican House Speaker Todd Huston, however, said last week that "you can count on it" when asked whether lawmakers would approve a bill addressing the emergency declaration before the current order's Friday expiration.
-
Affordable housing program aims to help more Hoosiers own homes
As the need for affordable housing continues to impact people across Indiana, a few local organizations are working with a national program to help get more Hoosiers in affordable homes.Andrew Nembhard’s late 3 gives Pacers victory over Knicks. Indiana moves to 2-1
Nembhard scored only five points — all in the final minute — while Haliburton finished with his second straight playoff career high.School 87 to begin looking for new principal, assistant principal
This move comes after a video and lawsuit accused a former School 87 teacher of encouraging students to attack each other as a punishment.Danville Shipt Shopper helps save customer’s life
Cynthia Pacheco formed a friendship with Anita Alban after she began picking up her groceries. But during one of her deliveries, Pacheco had to help out in an unexpected way.