85R2316 LED-D By: Taylor of Collin S.B. No. 2008 A BILL TO BE ENTITLED AN ACT relating to claiming an exemption from required immunizations for public school students. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Section 161.0041(d), Health and Safety Code, is amended to read as follows: (d) The department shall develop a blank affidavit form to be used by a person claiming an exemption from a required immunization and make that form available on the department's Internet website and in all public schools [that contains a seal or other security device to prevent reproduction of the form]. The affidavit form shall contain a statement indicating that the person or, if a minor, the person's parent, managing conservator, or guardian understands the benefits and risks of immunizations and the benefits and risks of not being immunized. SECTION 2. Sections 161.0041(c) and (e), Health and Safety Code, are repealed. SECTION 3. As soon as practicable after the effective date of this Act, the Department of State Health Services shall modify the existing affidavit form required by Section 161.0041, Health and Safety Code, as amended by this Act. SECTION 4. This Act applies beginning with the 2017-2018 school year. SECTION 5. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this Act takes effect September 1, 2017.