Connecticut House Bill HB06024

Connecticut 2021 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/28/21
• Refer: 1/28/21

Caption

An Act Prohibiting The State From Mandating The Use Of Any Medical Product.

Impact

If enacted, HB 06024 would effectively alter the landscape of public health governance in the state. It would prevent state authorities from mandating treatments or measures deemed necessary for public health, particularly in response to health crises like pandemics. This legislative change signals a significant shift towards favoring personal choice over collective health mandates, which could have implications for disease control and management strategies employed by public health officials.

Summary

House Bill 06024 aims to prohibit the state from mandating the use of any medical products, which includes vaccines, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, laboratory tests, thermometers, and health monitors. The intent of the bill is to ensure individual autonomy by restricting the ability of the Department of Public Health, as well as the Governor and Lieutenant Governor, to impose such requirements on individuals in the state. Proponents argue that it reinforces personal freedoms and the right to choose whether to use certain medical products.

Contention

The potential passage of HB 06024 is likely to incite debates about the balance between individual rights and public health safety. Supporters argue that individuals should have the ultimate say over what medical interventions they receive, while opponents caution that such a bill could hinder effective public health responses during emergencies, particularly in situations requiring widespread vaccination or treatment for communicable diseases. The bill poses a challenge to traditional approaches that prioritize community health over personal choice.