New Hampshire House Bill HB1488

New Hampshire 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 12/3/21
• Refer: 12/3/21
• Report Pass: 3/9/22
• Engrossed: 3/22/22
• Refer: 3/22/22
• Report Pass: 4/14/22
• Enrolled: 5/13/22
• Chaptered: 5/24/22
• Passed: 5/24/22

Caption

Expanding the prohibition against discrimination based on an individual's election not to participate in the state vaccine registry.

Impact

If enacted, HB 1488 would amend the Revised Statutes Annotated (RSA) to provide greater protections for individuals who opt out of the state vaccination registry. This change signifies a growing recognition of individual rights in health choices, allowing individuals to refuse participation in a public health program without fear of repercussions from educational or healthcare institutions. The bill applies to various entities, ensuring that discrimination on the basis of vaccination status is uniformly prohibited across critical public sectors.

Summary

House Bill 1488 aims to expand the existing prohibitions against discrimination based on an individual's choice not to participate in the state vaccination registry. By specifically incorporating language to protect individuals from discrimination within schools, child care agencies, and government health agencies, the bill seeks to strengthen personal choice regarding immunization status. This legislative effort highlights the importance of maintaining individual privacy and autonomy in health-related matters, particularly within settings that impact children and vulnerable populations.

Contention

The introduction of HB 1488 may lead to discussions about the balance between public health interests and individual rights. Proponents of the bill may argue that it upholds essential freedoms in healthcare decisions, while opponents could express concern that expanding protections in this manner may undermine the state's efforts to promote vaccinations for public health and safety. As public health remains a contentious topic, the passage of this bill might lead to heated debates regarding the efficacy and ethics of maintaining vaccination registries.