Texas House Bill HB1150

Texas 2013 - 83rd Regular

Caption

Relating to a policy on vaccine-preventable diseases for licensed child-care facilities.

Impact

The enactment of HB 1150 will significantly affect child-care facilities by instituting a more formalized vaccination protocol to protect the health of children in their care. Facilities will need to invest in the establishment of record-keeping systems for employee vaccinations and exemptions while ensuring that staff members are informed about their responsibilities under this law. The bill emphasizes the importance of vaccination in reducing the incidence of communicable diseases in early childhood settings and represents a proactive approach to public health.

Summary

House Bill 1150 mandates a policy on vaccine-preventable diseases for licensed child-care facilities in Texas. It requires each facility to develop and implement a comprehensive policy that protects children from vaccine-preventable diseases as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The bill defines key terms and outlines specific requirements for facility employees, including vaccination mandates based on exposure risk to children, procedures for tracking compliance, exemptions for medical or conscientious reasons, and the use of protective equipment for exempt employees.

Sentiment

General sentiment around HB 1150 appears to be supportive among public health advocates and parents concerned about child safety in child-care environments. Supporters highlight its potential to safeguard children's health and mitigate the spread of diseases that can be preventable through vaccination. However, there may be concerns from some employee groups regarding the implications of mandatory vaccinations and the handling of exemptions, indicating a divided opinion on employee rights and public health obligations.

Contention

A notable point of contention surrounding HB 1150 may arise from the requirement for child-care employees to receive vaccinations. This may lead to disputes about individual freedoms versus the need for collective community health measures. Additionally, while the bill allows for exemptions based on medical concerns or personal beliefs, there is potential for debate on how these exemptions are handled and the employer's responsibilities in ensuring child safety without discrimination against exempted employees.