Texas Senate Bill SB62

Texas 2013 - 83rd Regular

• Filed: 11/12/12

Caption

Relating to the vaccination against bacterial meningitis of entering students at public and private or independent institutions of higher education.

Impact

The law stipulates that students who opt for an exemption must submit an affidavit either acknowledging their decision based on health concerns or stating their refusal on personal or religious grounds. This process is designed to streamline the exemption process while maintaining a rigorous documentation requirement. Additionally, the bill ensures that an online process for submitting exemption requests will be developed by the Department of State Health Services to reduce administrative burdens and improve accessibility for students.

Summary

Senate Bill 62 focuses on the vaccination requirements for entering students at public and private or independent institutions of higher education in Texas. The bill amends existing educational codes to define specific vaccination requirements, placing particular emphasis on the necessity of vaccination against bacterial meningitis. It grants students and their guardians the option to decline the vaccination based on reasons of conscience, including religious beliefs, as long as proper documentation and forms are submitted within a specified timeframe.

Contention

While the bill passed with overwhelming support in the legislative assembly—147 yeas and no nays—there remain concerns regarding the implications of allowing exemptions for vaccinations. Advocates for public health worry that broad exemptions could lead to lower vaccination rates, placing students at greater risk for outbreaks of bacterial meningitis. On the other hand, supporters emphasize the importance of personal choice and the respect for individual beliefs, arguing that the proposed measures represent a fair compromise between public health needs and personal liberties.