Pennsylvania governor vetoes bill opposing vaccine passport

Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf on Friday vetoed legislation that would have forbidden any government entity or higher education institution in the state from asking for proof of a COVID-19 vaccination or to electronically track vaccination status.

Republican-sponsored S.B. 618, which passed the state Senate in a 29-20 vote and the House in a 112-89 vote, would also have forbidden the state’s Secretary of Health from ordering a closure due to public health concerns, require physical distancing or face coverings, mandate a shelter in place or quarantine, or restrict travel.

In a statement, Gov. Wolf called the bill “irresponsible” and said it would have prohibited “basic public health measures … necessary to curb infectious disease transmission.”