AUSTIN – Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick issued this statement today following the Texas Senate’s passage of Senate Bill 7, Prohibiting COVID-19 Vaccine Mandates by Private Employers, by Sen. Mayes Middleton, R-Galveston:

“Over the past few years, too many Texans have had to decide between their jobs and their health. As Lt. Governor, I have championed legislation prohibiting any governmental entity from imposing mask or vaccine mandates on employees to make sure that Texans are not forced to make that decision.

“The passage of SB 7 will return medical freedom to Texans and ensure that they will not lose their livelihood over their personal health decisions. The Texas Senate will pass this bill over and over again until it passes the Texas House.”

SB 7, by Sen. Mayes Middleton, prohibits private employers from requiring employees and contractors in Texas to get a COVID-19 vaccine.