Virginia Senate Bill SB991

Virginia 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/6/23
• Refer: 1/6/23

Caption

Higher educational institutions, public; immunization requirements.

Impact

The bill is expected to standardize the immunization process for students in Virginia's public higher education institutions, potentially leading to increased vaccination rates among college students. By requiring documented proof of immunizations, state lawmakers aim to promote public health and mitigate outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases. This legislative action underscores the importance placed on public health and safety in communal living environments found in higher education institutions.

Summary

SB991 aims to amend and reenact section §23.1-800 of the Code of Virginia, which pertains to health histories and immunization requirements for full-time students enrolling in public institutions of higher education. The bill specifies that students must provide documented evidence of vaccinations prior to registering for their second semester. Additionally, the bill outlines exemptions based on religious beliefs and medical conditions, ensuring that students who object to immunization on these grounds will not be required to comply with the vaccination mandate unless there is a declared emergency or epidemic of disease.

Contention

While the bill has supporters who argue that it promotes health and safety in educational settings, it may face opposition from groups advocating for personal freedoms and parental rights. Critics may assert that mandated immunization laws infringe on individual rights, especially when considering the exemptions for religious and medical objections. Furthermore, the definition of what constitutes valid exemptions and the procedures to enforce them could be points of contention among educational institutions, public health officials, and the legislature.