(ABC36 NEWS NOW) – Rand Paul has introduced legislation that would remove special liability protections for vaccine manufacturers and administrators. The proposal, known as the End the Vaccine Carveout Act, would allow people who say they were harmed by vaccines to file civil lawsuits d irectly in state or federal court. Currently, most claims must first go through the federal Vaccine Injury Compensation Program. Supporters of the bill say it would eliminate legal immunity for COVID-19 vaccines under the federal PREP Act and restore what they describe as equal access to the courts. The legislation has a companion bill in the U.S. House and is co-sponsored in the Senate by Mike Lee. Opponents have previously raised concerns that removing liability protections could impact vaccine availability and broader public health efforts. The bill has been referred to committee for further consideration. Categories: Featured, Local News, News Tags: Congress, COVID-19 vaccines, liability protections, public health policy, Rand Paul, U.S. Senate, vaccine legislation ...read more read less