Connecticut House Passes Vaccine Bill

0:00It's April 22. I'm Cory with the story, and this is Hartford News Today, your AI-powered local news. Connecticut's house just passed a bill back by Governor Ned Lamont, winning 89-60 mostly along party lines after a long debate. The measure boosts the State Public Health Commissioner's power to set vaccine recommendations, ensure insurance covers them, and buy shots from. Sources beyond the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. While Makers stressed, this keeps vaccines accessible for folks who want them, without any new mandates. It's all about sticking to solid science and keeping costs low, especially since public hearings back in March got heated over the idea. Republicans pushed back hard, zeroing in on a part that tweaks the State's Religious Freedom Restoration Act. They worry it's the first car about ever, shielding religious liberties just for school vaccine rules, and it might be time to help the state in. This ties back to 2021, when Connecticut ditched religious exemptions for school vaccines.

1:02Now, two families are suing over that, and the Supreme Court dismissed most claims, but is still eyeing the religious freedom angle. Democrats say the bill just clarifies their original intent. No exemptions and heads to the Senate next. Could lock in access while settling that legal fight for good.