Texas Governor Greg Abbott issued an executive order on Tuesday aimed at preventing government entities from requiring proof of vaccination against COVID-19.
“Everyday, Texans are returning to normal life as more people get the safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine. But, as I’ve said all along, these vaccines are always voluntary and never forced,” Abbott said.
Executive Order GA-35 prohibits state agencies and political subdivisions from creating a vaccine passport. Additionally, the order prohibits organizations that are receiving public funds from requiring consumers to provide documentation of vaccine status in order to receive any service or enter any place.
“Government should not require any Texan to show proof of vaccination and reveal private health information just to go about their daily lives. That is why I have issued an Executive Order that prohibits government-mandated vaccine passports in Texas. We will continue to vaccinate more Texans and protect public health — and we will do so without treading on Texans’ personal freedoms,” Abbott said.
EO GA-35 also supersedes any conflicting order issued by local health authorities.
Nursing homes, state-run living centers, assisted living facilities, and long-term care facilities are not included in the order, and may still require proof of a COVID-19 vaccination for any resident.
CLICK HERE to read Abbott’s entire order.
