Kansas 2023-2024 Regular Session

Kansas Senate Bill SB315

Introduced
3/15/23  
Refer
3/16/23  
Report Pass
3/24/23  
Engrossed
4/3/23  
Refer
4/3/23  

Caption

Requiring child care facilities, elementary, secondary and postsecondary educational institutions and employers to grant exemptions from vaccine requirements without inquiring into the sincerity of the request and repealing the meningitis vaccine requirement to live in student housing.

Impact

The implications of this legislation could be far-reaching, particularly concerning public health measures related to vaccine-preventable diseases. By allowing unqualified exemptions, proponents believe that the bill will enhance individual freedoms and parental choice regarding vaccination. However, critics may argue that this could lead to decreased immunization rates among children and young adults, potentially increasing the risk of outbreaks of diseases that vaccines help control. There is significant concern that repealing the meningitis vaccine requirement could pose health risks to university students living in congregated settings.

Summary

SB315 proposes significant changes to the vaccination requirements imposed on child care facilities, educational institutions from elementary to postsecondary levels, and employers. Specifically, the bill mandates that these entities grant exemptions from vaccine requirements without requiring any inquiry into the sincerity of the request. Additionally, the bill seeks to repeal the existing meningitis vaccine requirement that currently applies to students residing in university housing. This marks a notable shift in vaccine policy by easing the conditions under which individuals can opt out of vaccination mandates.

Contention

The discussions around SB315 highlight a divisive debate regarding parental rights versus public health responsibilities. Supporters of the bill argue that individuals should have the autonomy to make vaccination choices without the need to justify their decisions, emphasizing personal freedom. In contrast, opponents raise alarms about the potential public health consequences of allowing such exemptions, arguing that the lack of scrutiny can undermine community immunity and endanger vulnerable populations. The voting history indicates some contention, with the Senate passing the bill with 22 in favor and 18 opposed, reflecting the polarized views on the matter.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

KS SB20

Requiring child care facilities, elementary, secondary, postsecondary educational institutions and employers to grant exemptions from vaccine requirements without inquiring into the sincerity of the request and repealing the meningitis vaccine requirement to live in student housing.

KS SB1740

Employer vaccination mandates; requiring employers to allow employees to be exempted from vaccination mandate. Emergency.

KS SB51

Relating to prohibited COVID-19 vaccine mandates and vaccination status discrimination and to exemptions from certain vaccine requirements.

KS HR20

Directs elementary and secondary schools and higher education institutions that require a COVID-19 vaccination to inform students or parents of their right to choose not to receive the vaccination

KS SB1250

Employers; vaccines; religious exemption

KS HB3475

Relating to exemptions from COVID-19 vaccine requirements and vaccination status discrimination.

KS SB308

Relating to prohibited vaccination status discrimination and requirements for COVID-19 vaccines; authorizing administrative penalties.

KS SB41

Relating to prohibited vaccination status discrimination and requirements for COVID-19 vaccines; authorizing administrative penalties.

KS SB1567

Employers; vaccinations; religious exemption

KS HB1032

Relating to prohibited vaccination status discrimination and requirements for COVID-19 vaccines.

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