Texas Senate Approves Bill Barring Businesses From Mandating COVID-19 Vaccination

The bill has gone to the Texas House of Representatives.

COVID-19 vaccines in a file photograph. Jacquelyn Martin/AFP via Getty Images

The Texas Senate has approved a bill that would prohibit businesses from requiring COVID-19 vaccinations for workers.

The state’s upper chamber approved Senate Bill 7 in a 19–12 vote on Oct. 12 as the Legislature gathered for a special session called by Gov. Greg Abbott. The full chamber voted after the Texas Senate Health & Human Services Committee passed the bill in a 6–3 vote.