Pennsylvania Senate Passes Bill To Ban Vaccine Passports

HARRISBURG (KDKA) - The Pennsylvania Senate has passed a bill to ban vaccine passports.

From events to just a walk in the park, people are feeling safer and getting back to normal. But are they all vaccinated?

"I think everyone should get it, It's an important part of getting past the pandemic and ending all the deaths and tragedies," said Desta Zegeye.

The state reports about 70 percent of the adult population has at least one dose. As life returns to normal, the question becomes whether places should require proof of that vaccine.

"I don't know, I have mixed feelings," said Cindy Harris.

"It should be considered. It could save a lot of people and bring more awareness to a lot of things, so I think it's something that could be considered," Zegeye said.

SB 618 just passed the Pennsylvania Senate and is headed to the House. It would do the opposite. The bill prohibits government agencies and school districts from requiring proof of the COVID-19 vaccine.

"Consistency. I want everyone to handle it the same way so I know what to do. I can deal with it if we do, fine. If we don't, fine," said Robert Zimmermann.

Zimmermann said he feels safe regardless because he's vaccinated, but for Robert W. Martin Jr., it's a little different. He sees the value in a vaccine passport for his job as a limo driver.

"My job required international clients and when you are dealing with clients all over the world, I didn't want to be at risk," Martin said.

The one takeaway from the people KDKA talked to is the topic is worth a conversation, but most don't believe it should be a law either way.

"Over the years more and more vaccines have been put on the list, nobody has protested. Why is this one special?" Harris said.

The bill has now moved into the House's Health Committee, which will be back in session on Monday.

If it were to pass the House, Governor Tom Wolf has said he would veto it.