On Feb. 15, two Idaho state lawmakers introduced a bill that would criminalize the administration of vaccines using mRNA technology — the tech behind Pfizer and Moderna's widely used COVID-19 vaccines, according to USA Today.
House Bill 154 is co-sponsored by state Sen. Tammy Nichols and Rep. Judy Boyle, both Republicans. The bill seeks to amend Idaho state code so that anyone administering mRNA vaccines would face misdemeanor charges. The bill does not specifically reference COVID-19 vaccines, though Ms. Nichols referred to Pfizer and Moderna's mRNA shots during her presentation to the Idaho House Health & Welfare Committee, according to NBC affiliate KVTB.
"The recent bill introduced in Idaho is another frightening example of politicians and special interest groups trying to take away the rights of individuals and parents to make healthcare decisions," Daniel Griffin, MD, chief of infectious diseases at Optum Care, a network of healthcare providers, told USA Today.
The bill still requires a hearing and vote to be considered on the Idaho House floor.