OPPOSE HB 44!
BACKGROUND: We've seen a version of this bill before in 2021. This time around, HB 44 is co-authored by Klick, Slawson, Hefner, Morales Shaw. This bill:
Punishes physicians with any vaccination policy at all and bans them from seeing patients on Medicaid and CHIP.
Discriminates against patients who rely on Medicaid and CHIP and want to choose providers that have safety protocols in place to protect them.
WHAT YOU CAN DO:
Make calls to the members of the Public Health Committee. Feel free to use this script.
SCRIPT: "Hi, my name is ______ (if you are a constituent please say that) and I am calling to OPPOSE HB 44 which is being heard in committee today. This bill would discriminate against patients who rely on Medicaid and CHIP and want to choose providers that have safety protocols in place to protect them. I use vaccination policies to help me choose the right practice for me and my family, and this bill will take away my choice. HB 44 will also inadvertently endanger those individuals in Texas that need the most protection from vaccine-preventable diseases. Thank you."
Rep. Stephanie Klick, Chair of Public Health Committee - (512) 463-0599
Rep. Liz Campos, Vice-Chair - (512) 463-0452
Rep. Nicole Collier - (512) 463-0716
Rep. Jacey Jetton - (512) 463-0710
Rep. Ann Johnson - (512) 463-0389
Rep. Jolanda Jones - (512) 463-0524
Rep. Venton Jones - (512) 463-0586
Rep. Tom Oliverson - (512) 463-0661
Rep. Four Price - (512) 463-0470
Rep. Reggie Smith - (512) 463-0297
Rep. Tony Tinderholt - (512) 463-0624
OPPOSE SB 1024!
BACKGROUND: SB 1024 is a massive bill that affects many different areas of state law related to public health. HAVEN’s priority is the sections related to routine vaccines, school vaccine schedules, and the ban on hospitals and doctors from having a vaccine policy. It is scheduled for a hearing on Wednesday, March 22, 2023, in the Health and Human Services Committee of the Texas Senate. This bill:
Removes the authority of DSHS and HHS to make decisions about required vaccines and puts Texas vaccine policy in the hands of the Legislature;
Bans employers, including hospitals and doctors, from having any Covid-19 vaccine policy; and
Kicks providers, including hospitals and doctors, off Medicaid for any vaccine policy or decision to treat based on vaccination status (all vaccines not only Covid-19)
WHAT YOU CAN DO:
Make calls to the members of the Health and Human Services Committee. Feel free to use the script below.
Send emails to the members of the Health and Human Services Committee. Feel free to use the script below.
SCRIPT: "Hi, my name is ______ (if you are a constituent please say that) and I am calling to OPPOSE SB 1024. I’m concerned that SB 1024 takes public health decisions away from state experts and puts Texas vaccine policy in the hands of lawmakers, not scientists. This bill would ban business owners from doing what’s right for them, their clients, and their customers. I am especially concerned that this bill would ban hospitals and doctors from having vaccine policies to keep my family safe. SB 1024 would discriminate against Texans like me and take away our freedom to see doctors that prioritize safety. SB 1024 will take away my choice and the choice of millions of other Texans. Thank you."
Sen Lois Kolkhorst, Chair, Health and Human Services Committee - (512) 463-0118
Sen. Charles Perry, Vice-Chair - (512) 463-0128
Sen. César Blanco - (512) 463-0129
Sen. Bob Hall - (512) 463-0102
Sen. Kelly Hancock - (512) 463-0109
Sen. Bryan Hughes - (512) 463-0101
Sen. Morgan LaMantia - (512) 463-0127
Sen. Borris Miles - (512) 463-0113
Sen. Kevin Sparks - (512) 463-0131