Relating to the vaccination against bacterial meningitis of entering students at public and private or independent institutions of higher education.
Impact
The law stipulates that students who opt for an exemption must submit an affidavit either acknowledging their decision based on health concerns or stating their refusal on personal or religious grounds. This process is designed to streamline the exemption process while maintaining a rigorous documentation requirement. Additionally, the bill ensures that an online process for submitting exemption requests will be developed by the Department of State Health Services to reduce administrative burdens and improve accessibility for students.
Summary
Senate Bill 62 focuses on the vaccination requirements for entering students at public and private or independent institutions of higher education in Texas. The bill amends existing educational codes to define specific vaccination requirements, placing particular emphasis on the necessity of vaccination against bacterial meningitis. It grants students and their guardians the option to decline the vaccination based on reasons of conscience, including religious beliefs, as long as proper documentation and forms are submitted within a specified timeframe.
Contention
While the bill passed with overwhelming support in the legislative assembly—147 yeas and no nays—there remain concerns regarding the implications of allowing exemptions for vaccinations. Advocates for public health worry that broad exemptions could lead to lower vaccination rates, placing students at greater risk for outbreaks of bacterial meningitis. On the other hand, supporters emphasize the importance of personal choice and the respect for individual beliefs, arguing that the proposed measures represent a fair compromise between public health needs and personal liberties.
Identical
Relating to the vaccination against bacterial meningitis of entering students at public and private or independent institutions of higher education.
Relating to the use of opioid antagonists on the campuses of public and private schools and institutions of higher education and at or in transit to or from off-campus school events.
Relating to a requirement that public institutions of higher education provide certain information regarding mental health services to entering students.
Relating to the establishment of the Texas Students with Disabilities Scholarship Program for certain students at public institutions of higher education.
Relating to the establishment of the Texas Students with Disabilities Scholarship Program for certain students at public institutions of higher education.
Relating to accountability of institutions of higher education, including educator preparation programs, and online institution resumes for public institutions of higher education.
Revises calculation of student financial need and provides circumstances for reduction of financial aid at institutions of higher education and proprietary institutions.
Revises calculation of student financial need and provides circumstances for reduction of financial aid at institutions of higher education and proprietary institutions.
Revises calculation of student financial need and provides circumstances for reduction of financial aid at institutions of higher education and proprietary institutions.