Following a failed measure introduced in the last legislative season, Idaho lawmakers are again considering a bill that would make vaccine injuries compensable in workers’ compensation.

HB 464 would state that “when an employer requires an employee to receive a vaccination in the course of employment or as a condition of hiring or continued employment, any accident or injury caused by such vaccination shall be compensable.”

The new bill follows HB 417, which the state House of Representatives passed 67-3 in November 2021 before the bill died in the Senate.

Bill author Rep. Bruce Skaug, R-Nampa, said he introduced it to eliminate confusion over compensability of adverse reactions to the COVID-19 vaccine, according to a report by the Bonner County Daily Bee.

“This isn’t a bill for or against the COVID vaccination,” he said. “This is about helping people who happen to be injured by the vaccination. This bill helps clarify the coverage for someone who’s injured by the vaccine. I think it’s good legislation for all parties involved.”

HB 464 is up for a third and final vote in the House.

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