Vaccination Mandate Bill Advances

A state bill to require all schoolchildren to be vaccinated continues to wind its way through the Legislature, passing out of an education committee this week after it had stalled a week prior. The measure would eliminate “personal belief” exemptions that allow kids who have a doctor’s note to opt out of immunizations. More than 100 so-called anti-vaxxers have shown up to the State Capitol, many arguing that the law would impede children’s access to education. The measure faces the judiciary and appropriations committees before it makes its way to the Senate floor. State Senator Hannah-Beth Jackson is a strong supporter of the legislation. Assemblymember Das Williams has yet to take a position on the bill, and according to his office, is still gathering information from public health experts, local parents, and doctors.