Assigned to ED FOR COMMITTEE ARIZONA STATE SENATE Fifty-Seventh Legislature, First Regular Session FACT SHEET FOR H.B. 2058 school immunizations; exemption; adult students (NOW: immunizations; proof; exemptions; higher education) Purpose Requires a higher education institution that requires students to submit documentary proof of immunization to exempt any student who is at least 18 years old from the requirement if the student submits a statement that the student understands the risks of nonimmunization and does not consent to the immunizations due to personal beliefs or an outlined written certification that states that one or more of the required immunizations may be detrimental to the student's health. Background The Department of Health Services' (DHS) rules require a student to submit documentary proof of immunization for outlined diseases before a student may enroll in a school or childcare facility. A school or childcare administrator must accept specified documents as documentary proof of immunization. The documents must include: 1) the student's name; 2) the student's date of birth; 3) the type of vaccines administered; 4) the date and year of each immunization; and 5) the name of the individual administering the vaccine or the name of the entity the individual represents (A.A.C. R9-6-101; R9-6-702; and R9-6-704). The DHS Immunization Program does not dictate college attendance immunization requirements and Arizona does not have any statutorily required vaccinations to enroll in or attend an Arizona community college or public university. Each community college and public university may set its own immunization requirements and require additional vaccinations depending on a student's major (DHS). Documentary proof means written evidence that a pupil has been immunized or has laboratory evidence of immunity. Immunization is the process of inoculation with a specific antigen to promote antibody formation in the body (A.R.S. ยง 15-871). There is no anticipated fiscal impact to the state General Fund associated with this legislation. Provisions 1. Requires a higher education institution that requires students to submit documentary proof of immunization to fully disclose the immunization requirements and exemptions to prospective students. 2. Requires a higher education institution that requires students to submit documentary proof of immunization to enroll in or attend the higher education institution to exempt any student who FACT SHEET H.B. 2058 Page 2 is at least 18 years old from the requirement to submit documentary proof of immunization if the student submits: a) a signed statement that the student: i. has received information about immunizations provided by DHS and understands the risks and benefits of immunizations and the potential risks of nonimmunization; and ii. does not consent to the immunizations due to personal beliefs, including religious beliefs; or b) a written certification that is signed by the student and a physician or a registered nurse practitioner (NP) that states that one or more of the required immunizations may be detrimental to the student's health and that indicates the specific nature and probable duration of the medical condition or circumstance that precludes immunization. 3. Specifies that an exemption for a student who submits a written certification signed by a physician or registered NP as prescribed is valid only during the duration of the circumstance and condition that precludes immunization. 4. Specifies that a higher education institution includes: a) a public university; b) an Arizona community college; and c) a career technical education district that provides instruction to adult students. 5. Defines documentary proof. 6. Becomes effective on the general effective date. House Action ED 2/4/25 FAILED 0-11-0-1 ED 2/18/25 DPA/SE* 7-4-1-0 3 rd Read 2/26/25 32-27-0 *on reconsideration Prepared by Senate Research March 24, 2025 MH/SDR/ci