Legislation sponsored by Rep. Doyle Heffley, R-Carbon, that would ban the use of so-called “vaccine passports” in Pennsylvania was introduced in the House of Representatives this week.

House Bill 1478, also known as the COVID-19 Vaccine Antidiscrimination Act, would prohibit a government authority from including vaccine information on an identification card or electronic tracking system regarding whether the card holder has received a COVID-19 vaccine.

“The intent of my legislation is to allow Pennsylvania citizens the right to freely elect whether or not they feel the COVID-19 vaccine is beneficial for them,” said Heffley. “Individuals who want the vaccine should be given every opportunity to get it. However, those with medical or religious concerns should not be required to prove their vaccine status when they go shopping or dine out. The vaccination decision is a private medical matter that should not subject someone to ridicule or discrimination.”

Heffley’s proposal would also prohibit a business, government authority or public building from requiring someone to furnish proof of having received a COVID-19 vaccine for entry onto the premises. In addition, the bill would allow an individual to file a civil suit to seek damages for a violation of the act.

To date, more than a dozen states have banned or placed restrictions on COVID-19 vaccine passports or are considering legislation to do so.

House Bill 1478 currently has more than 20 co-sponsors and has been referred to the House Health Committee for consideration.