State Rep. Beau Baird (R-Greencastle) announced he co-authored legislation to help end the statewide public health emergency and protect Hoosier workers.

House Bill 1001 would allow Gov. Eric Holcomb's state public health emergency to expire by ensuring Indiana could continue receiving the same federal reimbursements for SNAP and Medicaid, and maintain the state's ability to hold voluntary community vaccination clinics. Holcomb recently announced that he will keep the state of emergency and the remaining, but limited, executive order in place until lawmakers take action in January.

Baird said the legislation filed Monday at the Statehouse would also require businesses to accept medical and religious exemptions, if they require the COVID-19 vaccine as a condition of employment.

"I'm committed to addressing the concerns of many in our community related to vaccine requirements in the workplace," Baird said. "This legislation would help strengthen longstanding exemptions that are available to Hoosiers with medical concerns or deeply held religious beliefs."

Baird encouraged local workers and business owners to continue reaching out to him with questions and comments at h44@iga.in.gov or by calling 317-232-9981.

Visit iga.in.gov for more information on HB 1001, which will be considered during the 2022 legislative session kicking off in January.