A plan to fast track a bill that would grant widespread exemptions to COVID-19 vaccine mandates hit a road block. Republican leadership hit the brakes, saying they need time to get more members on board.
The bill allows students and employees to opt out of getting the COVID-19 vaccine, even if it's required at school or work.The measure was voted out of committee after one hearing and was set for a full House vote the next day. But House Speaker Bob Cupp says members want to explore a few more issues.
Republican Representative Ron Ferguson says the bill addresses a lot of the concerns from the caucus and Ohioans.
"It's really close to being the bill that we need to protect employees, but it's not quite there yet. And I think that we're going to continue to work on it to firm it up and make sure it's exactly the right step."
Opponents of the bill, including House Democrats, say it undermines the importance of the vaccine and restricts the freedom of private companies.
