Texas House Bill HB3304

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

• Filed: 2/25/25

Caption

Relating to a prohibition on vaccination mandates.

Impact

Should HB3304 pass, it will significantly alter public health policy in Texas. The bill will eliminate existing mandates that require vaccinations for school attendance, thereby impacting public schools, private schools, and potentially childcare facilities. By setting a legal precedent that disallows vaccination mandates, the bill will directly influence the state's ability to manage public health concerns related to communicable diseases, which has traditionally relied on vaccination compliance to safeguard at-risk populations, including children, the elderly, and those with underlying health conditions.

Summary

House Bill 3304 proposes a prohibition on vaccination mandates, preventing any governmental entity—such as state agencies or political subdivisions—from requiring individuals to receive vaccinations or participate in their administration. This legislation aims to solidify personal choice regarding health interventions, asserting that no entity, including educational institutions and healthcare facilities, can impose vaccine requirements as a condition for service or admission. The bill explicitly overrides previous state laws that required certain immunizations for school enrollment and stipulates that this regulation supersedes any conflicting state rules or orders.

Contention

This bill has generated considerable debate among lawmakers and health advocates. Proponents argue that the legislation is necessary to ensure individual rights and preserve personal freedom concerning medical decisions. They emphasize autonomy over one's health choices without state-imposed obligations. Conversely, opponents express grave concerns that the bill undermines public health efforts and could lead to lower immunization rates, increasing vulnerability to outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases. Legislative discussions indicate a divide between those prioritizing individual rights versus those advocating for community health responsibilities.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Health And Safety Code

• Chapter 81. Communicable Diseases; Public Health Disasters; Public Health Emergencies
  • Section: 082
  • Section: 085

• Chapter 161. Public Health Provisions
  • Section: 0051
  • Section: New Section
  • Section: 0074

Human Resources Code

• Chapter 42. Regulation Of Certain Facilities, Homes, And Agencies That Provide Child-care Services
  • Section: New Section
  • Section: 04305

Education Code

• Chapter 33. Service Programs And Extracurricular Activities
  • Section: 0832

• Chapter 38. Health And Safety
  • Section: New Section

• Chapter 51. Provisions Generally Applicable To Higher Education
  • Section: 933

Government Code

• Chapter 526. Additional Powers And Duties Of Commission And Executive Commissioner
  • Section: 0505