LINCOLN — Two state senators have been circulating a petition asking lawmakers to call a special session to consider legislation prohibiting businesses from requiring that employees get vaccinated against the coronavirus.

The special session, proposed by Sens. Ben Hansen of Blair and Rob Clements of Elmwood, would also consider prohibiting governments and schools from mandating COVID vaccines, according to an email shared with the Journal Star.

The move from state lawmakers comes a week after Gov. Pete Ricketts, who said he opposes vaccine mandates, said he would not call lawmakers back to Lincoln for a second special session this year unless there were 33 senators willing to vote for such a law. That’s the number needed to overcome a likely filibuster by opponents.

The Legislature met in September to redraw political district boundaries as part of the decennial redistricting process.

According to a press release, 26 senators signed a letter outlining the purpose of the special session to Secretary of State Bob Evnen.

“The people have spoken, in overwhelming fashion. We need to do what we can to protect the livelihoods of Nebraskans who are at risk of losing their jobs if they exercise their choice not to receive a COVID vaccination,” Hansen said.

Under state law, 10 senators can ask the secretary of state to poll the Legislature on whether to convene a special session to consider legislation outside of the normal lawmaking session.

If agreed to by 33 of the Legislature’s 49 members, Evnen would then submit the outline to Ricketts, who would use it as a basis to issue a proclamation that sets the start day and duration for the Legislature.

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