The Delaware House of Representatives on Tuesday voted to make it a class G felony to forge a vaccination document, including but not limited to COVID-19 vaccine cards.
House Substitute 1 for House Bill 302, sponsored by Rep. Paul Baumbach, D-Newark, clarifies that the creation or possession of an altered or fake vaccination document is forgery in the second degree.
The bill passed 35 to 6.
Reps. Rich Collins, R-Millsboro; Sean Lynn, D-Dover; Shannon Morris, R-Harrington; Charles Postles, R-Milford; Steve Smyk, R-Milton; and Jesse Vanderwende, R-Bridgeville, voted against the bill.
Collins said he would not support the bill because he believes there are already laws on the books to address the crime.
“In general, the discussion of this came up with COVID and I really think it’s time for us to move past COVID,” Collins said. “I certainly know my constituents are ready to.”
The bill also addresses vaccine records for other conditions, including those for Hepatitis A and B, and chickenpox, which are required by many schools, employers, colleges and universities.
The bill will now advance to the Senate.
Charlie Megginson covers government and politics for Town Square LIVE News. Reach him at (302) 344-8293 or [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @cmegginson4.
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