Tennessee Senate Bill SB1405

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/1/23

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 7; Title 14; Title 29; Title 36; Title 39; Title 49; Title 50; Title 63; Title 68 and Title 71, relative to exemptions from COVID-19 immunization requirements.

Impact

The introduction of SB1405 could have significant implications for health policy in Tennessee, particularly regarding individual rights and public health mandates. By establishing a framework for exemptions to immunization requirements based on religious grounds, the bill could lead to an increase in the number of individuals opting out of immunizations. This change may have ramifications for community health, especially in the management of infectious disease outbreaks. The added health department survey may also encourage more transparency about immunization trends and practices across state lines, influencing future legislation.

Summary

Senate Bill 1405 aims to amend various titles of the Tennessee Code Annotated to establish exemptions from COVID-19 immunization requirements. The bill mandates the Tennessee Department of Health to conduct a survey of exemptions provided by neighboring states related to COVID-19 immunization on the basis of religious principles or rights of conscience. The results of this survey are to be compiled into a report to be submitted to the health committees of both the House of Representatives and the Senate by January 1, 2024. This legislative initiative indicates an effort to align or compare Tennessee's standards regarding immunization exemptions with those of adjacent states, potentially affecting public health policy throughout the region.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding SB1405 may include the tension between public health safety and individual rights. Proponents of the bill argue that it is essential to respect personal and religious beliefs when it comes to health decisions, particularly in light of government mandates. Conversely, critics may express concern that expanding exemptions could undermine herd immunity and public health initiatives designed to protect vulnerable populations. Discussions in the legislature may revolve around balancing the need for individual choice against the collective responsibility to prevent disease spread in public settings.