HB 592

Under existing law, a parent or guardian of a child in a public or private K-12 school is required to immunize that child for participation in school. Religious exemptions from this requirement are allowed

This bill would remove the religious exemption for immunization of children in schools

Relating to education; to amend Section 16-30-3, Code of Alabama 1975; and to remove the religious exemption for immunization of children in schools.

Section 1

The Legislature finds and declares as follows: (1) Our nation currently faces an immediate public health crisis stemming from the rapid spread of communicable diseases. (2) Many of these diseases are preventable due to the wide availability of vaccinations and the advancement of modern medicine. (3) In order to combat the spread of communicable diseases, citizens of this state should be vigilant about shielding themselves from those diseases through all available means. (4) Although comprehensive vaccinations against communicable diseases is the best way to combat many of these diseases, some citizens have opted out of receiving vaccinations. (5) Therefore, all citizens of this state, including students in public or private schools, who are medically able to receive vaccinations for the most dangerous communicable diseases should do so for the betterment of the overall health of this state.

Section 2

Section 16-30-3, Code of Alabama 1975, is amended to read as follows:

§16-30-3.

The provisions of this chapter shall not apply if: (1) In the absence of an epidemic or immediate threat thereof, the parent or guardian of the child shall object thereto in writing on grounds that such immunization or testing conflicts with his religious tenets and practices; or (2) Certification certification by a competent medical authority providing individual exemption from the required immunization or testing for the child for a medical reason is presented to the admissions officer of the school."

Section 3

This act shall become effective on the first day of the third month following its passage and approval by the Governor, or its otherwise becoming law.