25 LC 57 0233S
The House Committee on Public and Community Health offers the following
substitute to HB 173:
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
To amend Part 3 of Article 16 of Chapter 2 of Title 20 of the Official Code of Georgia1
Annotated, relating to student health in elementary and secondary education, so as to require2
the Department of Education to provide to parents and guardians of students entering the3
seventh grade information regarding recommended adolescent vaccinations in print or4
electronic form; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other5
purposes.6
BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF GEORGIA:7
SECTION 1.8
Part 3 of Article 16 of Chapter 2 of Title 20 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated,9
relating to student health in elementary and secondary education, is amended by revising10
Code Section 20-2-778, relating to required information to parents of students regarding11
meningococcal meningitis and influenza and their respective vaccines, as follows:12
"20-2-778.13
(a) Beginning in the 2025-2026 school year, the Department of Education shall provide14
all parents and guardians of students entering the seventh grade with information on15
recommended adolescent vaccinations for meningococcal meningitis disease, human16
H. B. 173 (SUB)
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papillomavirus (HPV), and tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (TDAP). Such information17
shall be provided in print form, electronic form, or both print and electronic form and shall18
include:19
(1) Information on each vaccine and how it prevents the associated disease or diseases;20
(2) A list of sources for additional information; and21
(3) Related recommendations issued by the Advisory Committee on Immunization22
Practices of the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.23
(b) If a local board of education provides information on immunizations, infectious24
diseases, medications, or other school health issues to parents and guardians of students in25
grades six seven through 12, then the following information about meningococcal26
meningitis disease and influenza and their respective vaccines shall be included:27
(1) A description of causes, symptoms, and means of transmission;28
(2) A list of sources for additional information; and29
(3) Related recommendations issued by the Advisory Committee on Immunization30
Practices of the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.31
(b)(c) The Department of Education, in cooperation with the Department of Public Health,32
shall develop and make available to local school systems the information about33
meningococcal meningitis disease and influenza and their respective vaccines to local34
school systems as required under subsection subsections (a) and (b) of this Code section35
in an efficient manner that shall include posting the information on its public website."36
SECTION 2.37
All laws and parts of laws in conflict with this Act are repealed.38
H. B. 173 (SUB)
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