Governor Greg Abbott has issued an executive order banning all entities, including private companies, from enforcing vaccinations in Texas.
Mr Abbott, a Republican, has been one of the most vocal US leaders opposed to making coronavirus vaccines mandatory.
He has made similar edicts since the start of the pandemic, but this is the first to include private employers and their customers.
Many see mandating vaccines as encroaching on constitutional freedom.
The governor has called on state lawmakers to pass a ban into law.
"The Covid-19 vaccine is safe, effective, and our best defence against the virus, but should remain voluntary and never forced," Mr Abbott said in a statement.
The move will pit him against Democrat President Joe Biden, who called on firms last month to introduce mandatory vaccines for their staff.
Earlier this year the governor lifted the requirement to wear masks in the state. He also signed an executive order in August against mandatory vaccinations for people who work in government agencies, including public schools and universities.
Texas courts are dealing with multiple challenges to the lifting of the requirement to wear facemasks.
Mr Abbott tested positive for coronavirus in August during a state-wide surge of hospitalisations. He credited his quick recovery to being fully vaccinated.
The latest order comes as Mr Abbott faces pressure from two rival candidates in next year's Republican primary: former state Senator Don Huffines, and former Florida Congressman Allen West.
Both competitors are strongly opposed to vaccine mandates.
"[Mr Abbott] knows which the way the wind is blowing. He knows conservative Republican voters are tired of the vaccine mandates and tired of him being a failed leader," tweeted Mr Huffines.
Many large businesses with a Texan presence have also come under the spotlight over mandates.
Fort Worth-based American Airlines, the largest US carrier, told its 100,000 staff last week that they would be fired if they were unable to provide proof of full vaccination by 24 November.
Facebook and Google, which employ a large number of people in the state, have also told employees that they would need proof of vaccination to return to the office.
Debate around vaccinate mandates has been a polarising issue in the US. Critics view them as unconstitutional, but proponents say they are needed to tackle a nationwide outbreak that's killed more than 700,000 people.
In May, Florida's Republican governor banned all vaccine passports in private businesses, and Montana's Republican leaders banned employment "discrimination" based on vaccine status.
Meanwhile, this month California became the first US state to require all students be vaccinated against Covid to attend in-person classes.
The state has one of the highest vaccination rates in the US and already requires vaccinations for all medical workers.
Latest Stories
-
MTN Ghana Foundation inaugurates new Accident and Emergency Centre for Bawjiase Polyclinic
3 mins -
Government has paid all individuals who opted out of DDEP -1st Dep. Governor of BoG
9 mins -
We are confident about our board meeting in June on Ghana’s second review – IMF
33 mins -
Ghana’s Antoine Semenyo in contention for Bournemouth Supporters’ Player of the Season
1 hour -
I try to set good example for kids who look up to me in Ghana – Mohammed Kudus
1 hour -
Dr. Lawrence Tetteh to march on Jubilee House over Akufo-Addo’s refusal to assent to anti-LGBTQ+ bill
2 hours -
Ghanaian midfielder Jeffrey Schlupp extends Crystal Palace stay until 2025
2 hours -
Leading with AI: Empowering CEOs in Ghana for the future
2 hours -
Kumasi: Thousands of Suame Magazine artisans risk evacuation
2 hours -
Mrs Vivien Badu Antwi
2 hours -
Akufo-Addo, Asantehene to commission $300m Kumasi International Airport today
3 hours -
Guru begins bid for University of Ghana’s SRC presidency
3 hours -
My ‘Agric for Wealth’ policy is a game-changer for Ghanaian farmers – Presidential aspirant, George Twum-Barimah-Adu
3 hours -
Mistrust, poor communication to blame for NDC and EC contention – CDD’s Boateng Asiamah
3 hours -
All Regional Games: Asamoah Gyan walks flamed torch through Northern, Upper East and Bolgatanga
3 hours