Texas House Bill HB2105

Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

Caption

Relating to parental notice on enrollment in a public school of a student who is not immunized.

Impact

If enacted, HB2105 would alter existing education regulations by modifying how schools handle immunization records and parental notification. Beginning with the 2015-2016 school year, this law would require that public elementary and secondary schools implement a system for notifying parents about students lacking immunizations. This measure is likely to cultivate discussions about public health and safety in educational settings, potentially influencing school enrollment practices and immunization policies across Texas.

Summary

House Bill 2105 seeks to amend the Texas Education Code by introducing new regulations on parental notification regarding student immunization status at public schools. Specifically, it mandates that when a child who has not received the required immunizations enrolls in school, the institution must inform the parents or guardians of all students at that school without revealing the identity of the unvaccinated child. This provision aims to enhance parental awareness of potential health risks associated with unvaccinated students within the school community.,

Contention

Notably, there may be contention surrounding this bill regarding privacy concerns. While proponents argue that increasing parental awareness is essential for student health and safety, opponents might assert that identifying unvaccinated children indirectly via notifications could lead to stigmatization and unintended consequences. Furthermore, the nuance of balancing parental rights with community health safeguarding may lead to broader legislative debates over parents' discretion in vaccinating their children.