STATE CAPITOL, PHOENIX – State Representative Nick Kupper today issued the following statement after Governor Katie Hobbs vetoed HB2012, legislation he sponsored that would have prohibited Arizona employers, government entities, and healthcare institutions from forcing individuals to take products authorized only under the FDA’s Emergency Use Authorization (EUA):

“Governor Hobbs claims this bill is based on a ‘misunderstanding of federal law.’ But here’s the truth: I lived this issue personally, and I stood up in court to challenge the federal government’s attempt to force an EUA product on me. The judge in my case recognized what federal law clearly states—emergency use products must be optional. That’s not a misunderstanding. That’s the law.

“Hobbs says she wants to protect public health, but she’s actively defending the ability of employers to force unapproved, untested, and potentially unsafe products on Arizonans. The FDA itself acknowledges that EUA products are not fully approved. This bill simply clarified that Arizonans should not be coerced into taking something the federal government hasn’t fully vetted.

“What’s really happening here is the Governor is siding with corporations and government bureaucrats over individuals and their rights. My bill would not have banned the use of any product. It would not have stopped anyone from choosing to take an EUA product. It would have stopped mandates. Period.

“This was a straightforward measure to reinforce the principle of informed consent and individual liberty. Governor Hobbs just told Arizonans she believes the state should step in to compel them to take products the FDA hasn’t approved. That’s unconscionable.”

Nick Kupper is a Republican member of the Arizona House of Representatives serving Legislative District 25 which includes portions of Maricopa, Yuma, and La Paz Counties. He also serves as Vice Chairman of the House Ways & Means Committee. Follow him on X at @realnickkupper.