SB85 Alabama 2025 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Arthur OrrSenator

Republican

Session

2025 Regular Session

Title

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

Summary

SB85 would expand and formalize religious and medical vaccine exemptions for K-12 students and public college students in Alabama, and require higher education to offer these exemptions.

What This Bill Does

For public K-12 students, it allows a parent to exempt a child from vaccination or testing for religious reasons with a written declaration, and it lets exemptions be supported by a board-approved physical evaluation form or an athletic preparticipation form; no extra forms or third-party certification would be required. For public higher education, it requires institutions to offer both religious and medical exemptions to vaccine or testing requirements, with religious exemptions documented by a statement and a medical evaluation form, or a medical exemption documented by a medical authority; no additional forms or fees would be required. The act takes effect on October 1, 2025.

Who It Affects

• Public K-12 students and their families, who would be able to obtain religious exemptions with a written declaration and/or a board-approved physical evaluation form, without extra paperwork
• Students at public institutions of higher education and their families, who would be able to obtain religious or medical exemptions by submitting the required statements and forms, with institutions required to honor these exemptions

Key Provisions

• Amends Section 16-30-3 to expand K-12 exemptions: includes a written religious declaration from a parent/guardian, optionally supported by a board-approved physical evaluation form or the Alabama High School Athletic Association preparticipation form completed within the last 12 months, as valid exemption; no extra forms, fees, or third-party certification required
• Explicitly recognizes a sincerely held religious belief as valid grounds for K-12 exemption from vaccine/testing requirements; no need to explain the reason or obtain approval from the local board of education
• For public higher education, requires institutions to offer both religious and medical exemptions before enforcing vaccine/testing requirements; religious exemption documented by a statement plus a Commission on Higher Education–approved physical evaluation form within the last 12 months; medical exemption documented by a statement from a competent medical authority
• No additional forms, fees, or documentation may be required to secure exemptions at either K-12 or higher education levels
• Effective date: October 1, 2025

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