The West Virginia Senate has passed a bill that would make it more difficult for parents to exempt their children from getting vaccinated. The bill will now move to the House for further consideration.
The bill, known as Senate Bill 21, would require parents seeking a religious exemption from the state’s vaccination requirements to submit a notarized document to their child’s school. This is a change from the current law, which allows parents to simply sign a form stating their religious beliefs prohibit vaccinations.
Supporters of the bill argue that it is necessary to protect public health and prevent the spread of diseases. They believe that requiring a notarized document will help ensure that parents are not taking advantage of the religious exemption option without legitimate reasons.
Opponents of the bill, however, argue that it infringes on parents’ rights to make decisions about their children’s health. They are concerned that the bill could make it harder for some families to access exemptions, particularly those who do not have easy access to notary services.
The bill passed the Senate with a vote of 20-13, largely along party lines with Republicans in favor and Democrats against. It will now be considered by the House of Delegates, where it is expected to face further debate and potential amendments.
Overall, the passage of this bill is a significant step towards tightening vaccination exemption laws in West Virginia. It remains to be seen how the House will handle the bill and what impact it will have on vaccination rates in the state.
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