New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Senate Bill S00285

Introduced
1/8/25  
Refer
1/8/25  

Caption

Prohibits administrative agencies from administering or requiring the COVID-19 immunization unless authorized by the legislature.

Summary

Bill S00285 seeks to amend the public health law in New York by prohibiting administrative agencies from mandating COVID-19 immunizations unless explicitly authorized by the legislature. The bill establishes that no person shall be required to receive such immunization, including children under eighteen and incapacitated individuals, without parental or guardian consent or legislative mandate. Additionally, it outlines that various entities, including educational institutions and healthcare facilities, cannot require proof of vaccination for attendance, employment, or access to services unless mandated by law.

Impact

If enacted, this bill would significantly alter the current public health policy regarding COVID-19 vaccinations in New York. It would remove the authority of administrative agencies to enforce vaccination mandates, thereby impacting schools, healthcare facilities, and other public services. The bill may lead to increased public debate about vaccination policies and individual rights, as well as potential legal challenges regarding public health measures.

Sentiment

The general sentiment surrounding Bill S00285 appears to be contentious, with proponents arguing for personal freedom and parental rights in health decisions, while opponents may express concerns about public health risks and the potential for increased COVID-19 transmission. The lack of voting history and committee discussions suggests that the bill is still in the early stages of legislative consideration, and sentiments may evolve as discussions progress.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the balance between individual rights and public health safety. Proponents of the bill, primarily from certain political factions, advocate for personal choice regarding vaccinations, while public health advocates and some lawmakers may argue that mandatory vaccinations are essential for community health and safety. The division reflects broader national debates on vaccination policies and government authority.

Companion Bills

NY A08261

Same As Prohibits administrative agencies from administering or requiring the COVID-19 immunization unless authorized by the legislature.

Previously Filed As

NY A08261

Prohibits administrative agencies from administering or requiring the COVID-19 immunization unless authorized by the legislature.

NY HB383

Relating to prohibiting a private employer from adopting or enforcing COVID-19 vaccine mandates; authorizing an administrative penalty.

NY SB222

Prohibits educational institutions from mandating COVID-19 vaccines or gene therapy treatments

NY SB1428

Prohibits educational institutions from mandating COVID-19 vaccines or gene therapy treatments

NY S08716

Permits licensed pharmacists and nurse practitioners to prescribe and order COVID-19 immunizations; permits physicians to issue non-patient specific orders to pharmacists for COVID-19 immunizations for patients two years of age and older; permits pharmacists to issue patient specific orders for COVID-19 immunizations for patients two years of age and older.

NY A09260

Permits licensed pharmacists and nurse practitioners to prescribe and order COVID-19 immunizations; permits physicians to issue non-patient specific orders to pharmacists for COVID-19 immunizations for patients two years of age and older; permits pharmacists to issue patient specific orders for COVID-19 immunizations for patients two years of age and older.

NY HB3737

Relating to the prohibited prescription, delivery, administration, use, advertisement, and solicitation of a COVID-19 vaccine containing mRNA material.

NY SB0096

Pharmacist administration of immunizations.

NY HB5622

Relating to prohibiting a private employer from adopting or enforcing certain vaccine mandates; authorizing an administrative penalty.

NY HB87

Protecting Our Children from the CDC ActThis bill prohibits the inclusion of any COVID-19 vaccine on the child and adolescent immunization schedule (which lists the vaccines recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices for those populations) unless all clinical data related to the safety and efficacy of the vaccine is published on the website of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.