Covid vaccinations

The Senate on Wednesday approved a bill that would bar the state, or any local government in Arkansas, from mandating covid-19 vaccinations.

The Senate voted 21-8 to send House Bill 1547, by Rep. Robin Lundstrum, R-Elm Springs, to the governor.

The bill would allow exemptions for schools or public hospitals to seek specific approval from lawmakers to mandate vaccinations. Private businesses would also have the option to require their employees to get the vaccine.

Gov. Asa Hutchinson announced earlier this month that he would not require employees of state agencies to receive the vaccine.