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The Tennessee Conservative Staff –
The House Finance, Ways, and Means Subcommittee is scheduled to consider a resolution that aims to amend Article I of the Tennessee Constitution, giving Tennesseans the right to refuse vaccines and other medical treatments on Wednesday.
House Joint Resolution 0028 (HJR0028) states that a person “must not be compelled to undergo a medical treatment, even in the case of a declared state of emergency.”
The sponsor, State Representative Gino Bulso (R-Brentwood-District 61), previously clarified that the resolution would only apply to the state and its subsidiaries. Private businesses would still be able to require vaccines as a condition of employment.
Bulso also noted that the right to exercise medical freedom is already implicit in the Tennessee constitution, but this amendment would make that right explicitly stated, therefore providing an added layer of protection for state residents.
Constitutional amendments must pass through two consecutive General Assemblies before being placed on the ballot of the next gubernatorial election. With the office of governor up for grabs next year, this means the earliest that voters might see the amendment on the ballot would be 2030.
The resolution previously passed through the House Health Committee.
If you would like to reach out to members of the House Finance, Ways, and Means Committee before their meeting on March 26, please use the contact information below:
HJR0028 Summary: Proposes an amendment to Article I of the Constitution of Tennessee to grant a person the right to forgo medical treatment.
Rep.ryan.williams@capitol.tn.gov, rep.kip.capley@capitol.tn.gov, rep.jesse.chism@capitol.tn.gov, rep.mark.cochran@capitol.tn.gov, rep.john.crawford@capitol.tn.gov, rep.ron.gant@capitol.tn.gov, rep.john.gillespie@capitol.tn.gov, rep.gary.hicks@capitol.tn.gov, rep.tim.hicks@capitol.tn.gov, rep.antonio.parkinson@capitol.tn.gov, rep.lee.reeves@capitol.tn.gov, rep.johnny.shaw@capitol.tn.gov, rep.jason.zachary@capitol.tn.gov
