SB246 Alabama 2024 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Arthur OrrSenator

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2024

Title

Vaccines; religious exemption for K-12 students, further provided for; religious exemption for students at public institutions of higher education, provided

Summary

SB246 would expand and clarify vaccine exemptions in Alabama by making it easier for K-12 students to obtain religious exemptions and by requiring public colleges and universities to offer both religious and medical exemptions if vaccination or testing is required.

What This Bill Does

For K-12 students, it allows a parent or guardian to exempt their child from vaccination for religious reasons using a simple written declaration, with no need to explain the reason or obtain approval. Medical exemptions for K-12 would still be allowed and may be supported by certification from a qualified medical authority. For public higher education, no vaccine or disease testing could be required as a condition of enrollment unless the institution offers both religious and medical exemptions; religious exemptions can be requested with a written statement and no explanation or third-party certification, while medical exemptions require a written statement from a medical authority.

Who It Affects

• K-12 students and their parents/guardians in Alabama, who would have a simpler process to obtain a religious exemption from vaccination requirements.
• Public institutions of higher education (colleges and universities) and their students, who would be subject to new rules requiring both religious and medical exemptions if vaccination or testing is required.

Key Provisions

• Religious exemptions for K-12 students can be granted with a parent's or guardian's written declaration, without needing to explain the reason, certify with a third party, or obtain approval from the local board of education.
• A medical exemption for K-12 may be supported by certification from a competent medical authority presented to the school admissions officer.
• Public colleges and universities must offer both religious and medical exemptions if they require vaccination or testing as a condition of enrollment or attendance.
• At public higher education institutions, a religious exemption can be requested via a written statement from the student, and a medical exemption requires a written statement from a medical authority.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 22, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Health