Arkansas Looks to Hold Pharma Execs Criminally Liable for Vaccine Injuries

By Michael Nevradakis, PHD

12/20/24

Arkansas lawmakers are weighing legislation that could pierce the pharmaceutical industry’s federal liability shield for vaccine injuries by holding corporate executives criminally liable for “vaccine harms” if they concealed evidence of risks associated with a vaccine that subsequently seriously injured or killed the recipient. 

Under Senate Bill 6, introduced by Republican State Sen. Bryan King, an executive officer of a pharmaceutical company that “knowingly hides, conceals, omits, or otherwise withholds evidence, documentation, or information that the vaccine has dangerous effects,” would be found guilty of a felony and face a prison sentence of one year to life.

The bill is pending before the Arkansas Senate. King also introduced Senate Bill 5, to hold Pharma executives criminally liable for “prescription drug harm.” 

Bryan King Introducing Legislation to Prevent Vaccine Harms, Other Voices Raise Concerns

Arkansas lawmakers are weighing legislation that could pierce the pharmaceutical industry’s federal liability shield for vaccine injuries by holding corporate executives criminally liable for “vaccine harms” if they concealed evidence of risks associated with a vaccine that subsequently seriously injured or killed the recipient.

Under Senate Bill 6, introduced by Republican State Sen. Bryan King [pictured right], an executive officer of a pharmaceutical company that “knowingly hides, conceals, omits, or otherwise withholds evidence, documentation, or information that the vaccine has dangerous effects,” would be found guilty of a felony and face a prison sentence of one year to life.

The bill is pending before the Arkansas Senate. King also introduced Senate Bill 5, to hold Pharma executives criminally liable for “prescription drug harm.”

Previous versions of both bills unanimously passed last year in the Arkansas Senate but died in the Arkansas House.

Arkansas Assisted Suicide/Euthanasia Bill Dies

Arkansas Capitol Rotunda

On February 20, 2019, Bill HB 1536, seeking to legalize assisted suicide and euthanasia, was filed in the Arkansas House. The bill's title: "To create the compassionate care end-of-life option act; and to exempt the compassionate care end-of-life option act from the definition of 'physician-assisted suicide.'"

On that same date, the bill was read for the first time, rules suspended. The bill was also read for a second time and referred to the House Committee on Public Health, Welfare and Labor.

On April 24, 2019, the bill died on the House Calendar at Sine Die Adjournment.