Wisconsin Assembly Passes Natural Immunity Bill

Friday, February 25th, 2022 -- 11:01 AM

(Raymond Neupert, WRN) Assembly Republicans have voted in favor of a bill that would allow for so-called natural immunity waivers to pass in place of vaccination requirements for COVID-19.

Democrats attempted to amend the bill to improve the pay and care for health care workers. Representative Robyn Vining stated, "The bill before you provides hazard pay paid medical leave accessible COVID-19 testing, treatment for the uninsured and insurance for coverage for the COVID-19 testing and treatment." Democrats say the bill damages public health standards and puts health care workers at risk.

Representative Mark Spreitzer said, "As a contrast to this bill, our healthcare heroes have been on the frontlines of our health care system every day of this pandemic, not peddling healthcare fiction as this bill does, but delivering health care to people who desperately need it."

Republicans rejected the amendment on grounds that it significantly altered the text and intent of the bill. Governor Tony Evers is likely to veto the measure if it passes the Senate. No Republicans spoke in favor of the measure.

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