Utah lawmaker wants businesses held liable if they require COVID-19 vaccines

SALT LAKE CITY — A Utah lawmaker wants businesses that require medical procedures to be held liable for their potential risks. 

“If they’re going to mandate vaccines then they’re jumping into that realm of dictating healthcare for particular people,” Sen. Kirk Cullimore (R-Sandy) told KSL Newsradio. “Then they’re also assuming some potential liability with that.”

Senator Cullimore said he’s aiming to run this bill in the upcoming legislative session in January.

He said COVID-19 is highlighting the need for what happens if something goes wrong when a business requires medical procedures.

“I mean it’s COVID vaccine today but what could it be tomorrow?” Cullimore said. “It just seems like we’re entering new – kind of new uncharted territory when it comes to this stuff and there’s not really any legal framework for it.” 

He also said the bill could cover broader issues than just vaccines, or the employee/employer relationship.  

“This bill is looking to address what the potential legal risks and liabilities are for companies that mandate medical procedures for employees, or even patrons, or attendees.” 

President Biden announced Wednesday private employers with 100 or more workers will have to require them to be vaccinated or tested weekly. 

Read more

• A quarter of the COVID-19 cases in Utah today are among school-age children
• Primary Children’s Hospital plea to parents: take COVID-19 seriously
• One more Utahn between 15 and 24 has died of COVID-19

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