The California Assembly is dropping its proposal for mandatory coronavirus vaccinations.
Democratic Assemblywoman Buffy Wicks of Oakland says she's no longer pursuing a vaccination bill, after drafts of her bill were leaked to the media last week. Her draft, as written, would have required all Californians to show proof they've been vaccinated to enter indoor businesses, and would have mandated vaccinations or regular testing for public and private sector employees. Wicks says she'd like more time to draw up "the strongest bill possible." The state legislative session ends next week, but Governor Gavin Newsom could still issue a vaccination mandate on his own.
Critics of vaccination mandates have held regular protests throughout the pandemic, including on Sunday when hundreds of people gathered near the Santa Monica Pier in an event billed as a “worldwide rally for freedom.” Assemblyman Jim Patterson (R-Fresno) said in a tweet that the decision for Democratic lawmakers to not pursue the bill “is a testament to the thousands of calls and emails made in the last couple of days.”