Yes, a Rhode Island bill aims to fine, tax eligible residents if they aren’t vaccinated against COVID-19

In January 2022, the U.S. Supreme Courtroom blocked a federal vaccine mandate that required staff at giant firms (100+ employees) to get vaccinated towards COVID-19 or bear weekly testing. 

However, in accordance with the Supreme Courtroom, states and cities can require vaccine mandates in sure cases. State lawmakers have the authority to introduce legal guidelines that will require vaccine mandates, or ban them.

In Rhode Island, a number of state legislators are vying to push statewide mandates even additional, proposing to penalize residents who select to stay unvaccinated.

VERIFY viewer Cameron wrote to us asking: “Does a Rhode Island invoice really say that unvaccinated residents could be taxed extra?”

Sure, Rhode Island Senate Invoice S2552 says that residents eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine who decide towards receiving it might face fines and pay extra earnings tax, except they obtain an exemption. However, that invoice has not handed into regulation.

Rhode Island Senate Invoice S2552 was launched to the state legislature on March 1 by state Sen. Sam Bell (D-Windfall). As of April 26, the invoice had not been handed into regulation and was below overview by the Senate Well being and Human Providers committee. 

The proposed invoice states any eligible Rhode Island resident must be vaccinated towards COVID-19, and in the event that they select to not, they may face a $50 month-to-month tremendous and pay double the state earnings tax. Fines for unvaccinated youngsters below the age of 16 could be imposed on their mother and father or guardians.

In keeping with the invoice, any resident might petition for an exemption from the statewide mandate. The petition have to be signed by three licensed physicians stating that the particular person shouldn’t be a match topic for immunization towards COVID-19 for medical causes. The Rhode Island Division of Well being would have the ability to research and doubtlessly reject the petition.

Employers could be accountable to point out proof of taxation to the state of Rhode Island authorities, in accordance with the proposed invoice. Any in-person employee must be in compliance with COVID-19 mandates, however the requirement may very well be waived for distant employees. This implies distant employees won’t essentially face penalties, however it might rely upon the employer.

If an employer violates the COVID-19 mandate below the brand new invoice, they must pay a $5,000 penalty per violation. 

The state Division of Well being and Division of Income could be answerable for making certain compliance, however the present invoice doesn’t specify the method of gathering the fines or further taxes.

Bell tweeted that he had been going through harsh criticism from “antivax advocates” since he launched the invoice. He shared a screenshot of an expletive-laden e mail he obtained that additionally contained threats to his household.

In a letter to constituents, state Sen. Jessica De La Cruz (R-North Smithfield) mentioned she would by no means assist such laws.

“I’ve not, nor will I ever assist, laws that coerces Rhode Islanders into making medical selections or face steep monetary damages.  I hear my constituents and others across the state loud and clear—that is harmful laws and sends the message that our authorities doesn’t belief you to make the suitable alternative for you and your loved ones.  That is an unconscionable overreach of legislative powers.  The excellent news is that this laws has little probability of passing.  I will not rule it out, however I do not consider it would move. That mentioned, I am not taking it with no consideration, and neither do you have to,” the letter mentioned.

In keeping with the State of Rhode Island Common Meeting web site, the time it takes for a invoice to grow to be regulation varies. The invoice is presently being reviewed by a Senate committee, and from there the committee must advocate subsequent steps for the laws. The committee might: 

• Advocate passage of the invoice as launched;
• Advocate passage with amendments;
• Advocate passage of a unique model of the invoice totally;
• Ahead the invoice to a unique committee for his or her advice;
• Advocate the invoice is indefinitely postponed
• Supply no advice, however permit the invoice to maneuver ahead, wherein case it stands or falls by itself benefit. 

If the invoice strikes out of committee, it might additionally should be voted for approval within the Home and Senate earlier than going to the governor for signing. 

Bell didn’t return VERIFY’s request for remark.