March 28, 2022
Representative Savannah Maddox
Upon hearing the news of HB 28’s failure in the Senate this evening, an avalanche of text messages, calls, and emails have been pouring in from citizens asking me why it was voted down. I feel that I owe it to the citizens of the Commonwealth to describe exactly what transpired with this bill that would have provided statutory protection against mandatory vaccination.
When HB 28 was first referred to the Senate Health and Welfare Committee, I contacted Chairman Alvarado and requested that the bill be heard. He informed me that it did not have the votes to pass, so I requested that Senate leadership move the bill to a different committee. Folks, you have to remember that this bill passed 71-22 in the House, with only two Republicans voting no. It certainly would have passed on the Senate floor if it were assigned to a different committee. Senate leadership refused to move the bill to a different committee, effectively killing it.
However, thousands of Kentuckians began calling and emailing asking for the bill to be heard. I am so very grateful for their efforts. Ultimately, Chairman Alvarado called the bill knowing full well that it did not have the votes to pass, although he did not articulate this to me since our initial conversation. I remained hopeful that it could pass, based on conversations I had with members of the committee.
Make no mistake that what happened today was retribution for providing public updates about HB 28. The overwhelming support this measure received forced Chairman Alvarado to give this bill a kangaroo hearing with the sole purpose of ensuring it failed. Senate leadership is also responsible for not assigning this bill to a favorable committee, as they have with a multitude of bills that they wanted to pass. Committee shopping is a common practice at this point in the Session, for legislation that is intended to pass.
I would like to thank every citizen who reached out in support of HB 28, although the outcome is extremely disappointing. Bills die every day in Frankfort- some from the minute they are filed- but this truly is a travesty because it signifies a blatant willingness to ignore the demands of the People. I would like to thank my colleagues in the House, as well as House leadership for working with me and listening to the People on this bill. I would also like to thank the senators who voted in favor of HB 28, as well as the majority of senators who have been supportive of medical freedom and would have loved for the opportunity to vote in favor of this bill on the Senate floor.
As I said in committee, never before have I witnessed an issue that has stirred so many Kentuckians into action. I am profoundly sorry that your voices were heard, then ignored today.