HB 4947
Allow Religious Exemptions for vaccines
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- Passed House of Delegates
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill would allow West Virginia residents to claim exemptions from mandatory vaccinations for themselves and their children based on religious beliefs. It outlines specific procedures for requesting these exemptions, including requiring a notarized certification from a licensed physician or the individual themselves. The bill also addresses penalties for providing false immunization certificates and clarifies the role of the Immunization Officer in reviewing exemption requests.
Key provisions
- Allows religious exemptions from mandatory vaccinations for individuals and children.
- Requires a notarized certification from a licensed physician or the individual for exemption requests.
- Prohibits employers from penalizing employees for exercising their exemption rights.
- Establishes a process for the Immunization Officer to review and determine exemption requests.
- Creates a penalty for providing false immunization certificates.
- Specifies that higher education institutions can also grant exemptions based on religious, conscientious, or personal objections.
- Outlines the role of county health departments in providing vaccines to those who cannot afford them.
- Requires schools to report attempts to enroll students without required immunizations.
Who is affected
- Individuals in West Virginia
- Parents and guardians of children in West Virginia
- Healthcare providers
- Schools and child care centers
- The Department of Health and Human Resources
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