As Texas watches companies defy Gov. Greg Abbott’s executive order prohibiting employer mandated vaccines, the Republican Party of Texas is calling on Gov. Abbott in an open letter to order a fourth special session to address the issue.
The Republican Party of Texas threw their support behind legislation advanced by State Representative Brian Harrison (R-Midlothian) in House Bill 168. Harrison’s bill requires informed consent of the patient; if the patient refuses the treatment, no penalties may be enacted against the person. It also allows the State of Texas to sue any company on behalf of an individual penalized for refusing.
The Republican Party of Texas urged Gov. Abbott to take action as Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has in prohibiting vaccine mandates through legislative-enacted statutes.
According to the RPT:
“We strongly believe it is the proper role and function of government to protect our God-given rights, not just from government itself, but from anyone who seeks to trample them. We would remind the business community, if they are fearful of crippling litigation, to take shelter under the freedom that legislation like HB 168 offers and not mandate vaccines for their employees.”
Abbott has so far said a fourth special session is not needed at this time.
The letter can be viewed below: