Some Kansas business groups have voiced misgivings about lawmakers proposals aimed at financially protecting workers who decline COVID-19 inoculations.
A joint legislative committee had hearings Friday on a proposal to make it easier for workers to claim religious exemptions to COVID-19 vaccine mandates and another to provide unemployment benefits to workers who are fired for refusing to get vaccinated.
Both are a response to federal mandates, and they drew opposition from the Kansas Chamber of Commerce and the state chapter of the National Federation of Independent Business. Their lobbyists said businesses shouldn't have to choose between complying with federal mandates or state rules.
Anti-mandate activists say the measures aren't strong enough.