Michigan 2025-2026 Regular Session

Michigan House Bill HB4553

Introduced

6/5/25

Refer

6/5/25

Caption

Education: attendance; promulgation of certain rules that are more stringent than the requirements for claiming exemption from immunizations; prohibit. Amends sec. 1177 of 1976 PA 451 (MCL 380.1177). TIE BAR WITH: HB 4552'25

Impact

The enactment of HB 4553 is expected to strengthen existing public health measures by ensuring higher rates of immunization among school-age children. The requirement for a signed statement from health authorities aims to create a more structured approach to record-keeping regarding student health. Furthermore, this amendment conveys the state's commitment to health standards in schools, ultimately aiming to minimize the outbreak of vaccine-preventable diseases among children. School administrators are also tasked with reporting yearly immunization status to the director of the department of community health and human services, promoting accountability and transparency.

Summary

House Bill 4553 amends the Revised School Code (1976 PA 451) by modifying the immunization requirements for students enrolling in public or nonpublic schools in Michigan. The bill maintains that children who are enrolling for the first time must provide documentation of their immunization status, which could include a signed statement from a physician confirming compliance, an exemption based on religious convictions, or proof that the child is in the process of meeting immunization requirements. Notably, this ensures that all children entering school, particularly those in kindergarten and grade 7, are properly immunized against specified diseases as directed by the health department.

Contention

However, HB 4553 is anticipated to spark debate regarding the balance between public health mandates and parental rights. Opponents may argue that stricter immunization requirements infringe on personal freedoms, especially concerning religious or philosophical objections to vaccinations. Additionally, the inclusion of provisions regarding exemptions means that discussions around the adequacy of health oversight and the responsibility of parents will likely emerge. The ongoing national discourse surrounding vaccination policies may further influence the reception and implementation of this bill in Michigan.

Companion Bills

MI HB4552

Same As Health: immunizations; promulgation of certain rules and regulations that are more stringent than the vaccination exemptions provided in statute and that exclude individuals from school as a disease control measure; prohibit. Amends secs. 9215 & 9227 of 1978 PA 368 (MCL 333.9215 & 333.9227) & adds sec. 5115a. TIE BAR WITH: HB 4553'25

Previously Filed As

MI HB6206

Education: other; exemptions to immunization requirements; modify to require the use of forms created by the department of health and human services. Amends sec. 1177 of 1976 PA 451 (MCL 380.1177). TIE BAR WITH: HB 6205'24

MI SB0877

Education: reports; grade requirement for certain immunization records; modify in the revised school code. Amends sec. 1177 of 1976 PA 451 (MCL 380.1177). TIE BAR WITH: SB 0875'24

MI HB6205

Health: immunizations; exemptions to immunization requirements; modify to require the use of forms created by the department. Amends sec. 9215 of 1978 of 368 (MCL 333.9215). TIE BAR WITH: HB 6206'24

MI SB0285

Education: attendance; attendance requirements for kindergarten; modify. Amends secs. 1147 & 1561 of 1976 PA 451 (MCL 380.1147 & 380.1561).

MI HB6207

Education: other; reporting of immunization status; modify. Amends sec. 167 of 1979 PA 94 (MCL 388.1767). TIE BAR WITH: HB 6206'24

MI HB4059

Education: attendance; the provision of kindergarten; require, and modify requirements related to school enrollment. Amends secs. 1147 & 1561 of 1976 PA 451 (MCL 380.1147 & 380.1561).

MI SB0875

Health: immunizations; grade requirement for certain immunization records; modify in the public health code and require department to adopt the immunization schedule recommended by the federal centers for disease control and prevention. Amends secs. 9208 & 9227 of 1978 PA 368 (MCL 333.9208 & 333.9227). TIE BAR WITH: SB 0877'24, SB 0876'24

MI HB5329

Education: all other employees; certain requirements related to seizure awareness; provide for. Amends 1976 PA 451 (MCL 380.1 - 380.1852) by adding sec. 1179c.

MI SB0876

School aid: other; certain provisions regarding immunization in the state school aid act; modify. Amends sec. 167 of 1979 PA 94 (MCL 388.1767). TIE BAR WITH: SB 0877'24

MI SB0014

Administrative procedure: rules; prohibition on adoption of rules by state agencies from being more stringent than federal regulations; eliminate. Amends secs. 32 & 45 of 1969 PA 306 (MCL 24.232 & 24.245).

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