Which states are banning vaccine passports and why?

The rollout of covid-19 vaccines has given hope to relaxing restrictions put into place to slow the spread of the virus. But with herd immunity still a way off, vaccine passports are seen as a way to allow people to travel and businesses to safely operate without strict restrictions.

The concept has garnered fans and detractors, becoming yet another political fault line. States are taking different approaches, there are a couple that have implemented a digital verification system, while others are taking a hands-off approach. However, another group has banned the use of such systems, with more states introducing legislation to do the same.

Also see:

Which states have implemented covid-19 passports?

So far, just two states have implemented a system whereby a person can verify their vaccination status or prove that they have tested negative for covid-19 recently. New York became the first state to set up a voluntary system where customers could verify either a covid-19 test or vaccination to businesses that choose to relax state pandemic restrictions for venues.

Hawaii became the second state to implement a system for those who are fully vaccinated to upload proof of vaccination to the state’s “Safe Travels” system. Travelers who use the system can bypass pre-testing and quarantine restrictions for inter-county travel. The state hopes to expand the system to out-of-state travelers who come to Hawaii by 4 July.

Which states have banned vaccine passports?

There are currently 16 states that have some form of ban on vaccine passports or requiring proof of vaccination against covid-19. The main reason stated for banning the use of covid-19 passports or requesting people show proof of vaccination is an individual’s freedom to choose whether or not that person wants to get vaccinated. Many governors state that getting the covid-19 vaccine is completely voluntary and that it isn’t the state’s place to mandate nor compel its citizens “through vaccine passports, vaccine passes, or other compulsory means."

These bans have been implemented either through Executive Order or via legislation. The bans also vary, with some states applying the ban to state agencies but letting private businesses do as they choose. Others include businesses that receive money from the state. A third group applies an outright ban on all use of vaccine passports in the state. Some states in all categories have put in exceptions to their ban.

Florida falls into this last group which could cause problems down the road with its ban on private businesses requesting proof of vaccination. Many cruise lines call Florida home and it is one of the state’s largest industries. The CDC is requiring that in order to set sail nearly all of both the crew and passengers need to be fully vaccinated entailing the need to show proof. This has resulted in a square off between Governor DeSantis and the cruise ship operators, with some threatening to pull up anchor and set up shop in another state if the Governor doesn’t make an exemption for the industry.

States that ban use of vaccine passports for state government agencies

States that ban use of vaccine passports for state government agencies and businesses that receive state funds

States that ban use of completely vaccine passports

States that are considering a ban on using vaccine passports

There are 11 states that are considering legislation to ban covid-19 passports but that haven’t passed or enacted the bills. These include:

To check your own state click here.