Wisconsin Senate Bill SB920

Wisconsin 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/19/24
• Refer: 1/19/24
• Failed: 4/15/24

Caption

Waivers from immunization requirements at institutions of higher education.

Impact

If enacted, SB920 would require public institutions of higher education in Wisconsin to adjust their immunization policies to accommodate waivers. This could potentially lead to an increase in the number of students attending these institutions without vaccinations, impacting public health measures within college communities. Furthermore, institutions would need to be proactive in informing students about their rights to opt-out of immunization requirements upon application or enrollment.

Summary

Senate Bill 920, introduced on January 19, 2024, aims to create a framework for waivers from immunization requirements at institutions of higher education that receive public funding. The bill allows students or prospective students to object to immunization mandates on health, religious, or personal conviction grounds without needing to provide an explanation for their objection. This is particularly significant in the context of ongoing debates about the role of vaccinations in public health and individual rights.

Contention

Debate around SB920 is expected to revolve around public health versus individual rights. Proponents of the bill may argue that it protects personal freedoms and acknowledges diverse perspectives on health and well-being, while opponents might express concerns about the implications for campus health safety and public health overall. The lack of requirements for students to justify their objections could lead to an increase in non-immunized individuals on campus, raising questions about herd immunity and disease outbreaks in these settings.