DIGEST
The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part of the
legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute part of the law
or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
HB 176 Original 2018 Regular Session Leger
Abstract: Requires current immunization against meningococcal disease by students who are
entering 11th grade or who are age 16 and entering any grade; effective July 1, 2019.
Present law requires:
(1)A student to provide satisfactory evidence of current immunization against meningococcal
disease as a condition of entry into sixth grade.
(2)A student who is 11 and entering a grade other than sixth grade to provide such evidence as
a condition of entry into such grade.
(3)A student who is 11 and participating in an approved home study program to provide such
evidence to the State Bd. of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE).
Present law excepts from such requirements any person:
(1)Whose parent, tutor, or legal guardian signs a waiver stating that the person shall not be
immunized for religious or other personal reasons.
(2)Whose parent, tutor, or legal guardian has submitted a written statement from a physician
stating that the immunization is contraindicated for medical reasons.
(3)Who is unable to comply due to a shortage in the supply of available vaccinations.
Proposed law retains present law; makes the same requirement a condition of entry into 11th grade
and entry into any grade by a student who is 16; also requires a student who is 16 and participating
in an approved home study program to provide such evidence to BESE. Proposed law applies present
law exceptions to proposed law requirements. Also provides that satisfactory evidence of current
immunization against this disease provided pursuant to present law and proposed law shall be in
accordance with the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Present law provides for the following:
(1)Implementation according to La. Dept. of Health (LDH) rules, including an implementation
schedule. (2)A requirement that LDH provide such rules to the state Dept. of Education (DOE) and a
requirement that DOE notify each school governing authority and the parent or legal
guardian of any student participating in an approved home study program of present law
requirements and the rules and schedule for their implementation.
Proposed law additionally applies such provisions to proposed law.
Effective July 1, 2019.
(Amends R.S. 17:170.4(A)(1) and (C)(2))