Attorney General says Tucson’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate violates Arizona state law | Arizona News

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TUCSON, AZ (3TV / CBS 5) –– Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich announced Tuesday morning that the city of Tucson’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate for civil servants violates state law and also conflicts with Governor Ducey’s Executive Order.

Brnovich’s office says Tucson will have to give up its vaccination mandate or they will lose millions of dollars in government funding.

“Tucson’s vaccination mandate is illegal, and the city could be held liable for attempts to coerce government employees against their beliefs,” said Attorney General Mark Brnovich. “COVID-19 vaccinations should be a choice, not a government mandate.”

Brnovich also says the city of Tucson could face potential liability claims if it does not withdraw its mandate. In response to Brnovich’s comments, Tucson Mayor Regina Romero, City Attorney Mike Rankin, and City Manager Michael Ortega issued statements Tuesday afternoon:

“It is deeply regrettable, but not surprising, that the attorney general is putting his political ambitions above his responsibility to interpret the law objectively,” said Mayor Romero. “This report reads more as a campaign speech with political commentary than as a fact-based legal opinion. We are currently reviewing our options and the mayor and council have to give instructions on how to proceed from here. “

Rankin noted that the governor’s law won’t go into effect until September 29, but his team is examining the ramifications of Brnovich’s opinion that the city is breaking a law that is not yet in force. Ortega said until the city better understood its legal position, the implementation of vaccine policy has been suspended.

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