83R1687 KSD-D
By: Laubenberg H.B. No. 565
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the vaccination against bacterial meningitis of
entering students at public and private or independent institutions
of higher education.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Section 51.9192, Education Code, is amended by
amending Subsection (b) and adding Subsection (d-2) to read as
follows:
(b) This section applies only to an entering student at an
institution of higher education or private or independent
institution of higher education. This section does not apply to a
student of an institution who is enrolled only in online or other
distance education courses or who is 22 [30] years of age or older.
For purposes of this subsection, "entering student" includes:
(1) a new student, as defined by Section 51.9191; and
(2) a student who previously attended an institution
of higher education or private or independent institution of higher
education before January 1, 2012, and who is enrolling in the same
or another institution of higher education or private or
independent institution of higher education following a break in
enrollment of at least one fall or spring semester.
(d-2) An affidavit submitted under Subsection (d)(2) must
be:
(1) on a form described by Section 161.0041, Health
and Safety Code; and
(2) submitted to the appropriate admitting official
not later than the 90th day after the date the affidavit is
notarized.
SECTION 2. Section 161.0041(a), Health and Safety Code, is
amended to read as follows:
(a) A person claiming an exemption from a required
immunization based on reasons of conscience, including a religious
belief, under Section 161.004 of this code, Section 38.001,
51.9192, or 51.933, Education Code, or Section 42.043, Human
Resources Code, must complete an affidavit on a form provided by the
department stating the reason for the exemption.
SECTION 3. The changes in law made by this Act apply
beginning with entering students enrolling in public or private or
independent institutions of higher education in this state on or
after January 1, 2014.
SECTION 4. This Act takes effect October 1, 2013.