House Bill 772 and Senate Bill 40: Relating to the Immunization Data and the Immunization Registry

Texas
HOME | LAWS | ORGANIZATIONS | CASES | LEGISLATION

Last Updated: May 7, 2013

House

Senate

Sponsors:

Representative Howard

Sponsors:

Senator Zaffirini

Summary:

House Bill 772 would make it more difficult for parents to opt out of having their children's immunization records on the Texas immunization registry. Currently, individuals or their parents or guardians, if they are minor children, must consent to place their immunization information on the immunization registry. If HB 772 passes, individuals or their parents or guardians will have to consent to have their immunization information withheld from the registry. This changes the law from an "opt-in" provision to an "opt-out" requirement.

Summary:

Senate Bill 40 would make it more difficult for parents to opt out of having their children's immunization records on the Texas immunization registry. Currently, individuals or their parents or guardians, if they are minor children, must consent to place their immunization information on the immunization registry. If SB 40 passes, individuals or their parents or guardians will have to consent to have their immunization information withheld from the registry. This changes the law from an "opt-in" provision to an "opt-out" requirement.

Status:

01/28/13     House     Introduced.
02/18/13     House     Referred to the Committee of Public Health.
02/22/13     House     Scheduled for public hearing on February 27, 2013.
02/27/13     House     No action taken in committee.
03/08/13     House     Scheduled for public hearing on March 13, 2013.
03/13/13     House     Considered in public hearing, testimony taken, and left pending in committee.
04/12/13     House     Considered in formal meeting, amended and reported favorably.
04/17/13     House     Placed on intent calendar.
04/26/13     House     Placed on General State Calendar for May 1, 2013.
05/01/13     House     Read first and second time.
05/02/13     House     Read third time; Amended; Passed as amended.
05/06/13     Senate     Received from the House.
05/07/13     Senate     Referred to Health and Human Services.
Bill died in committee.

Status:

11/12/13 Senate Introduced.
01/28/13 Senate Read first time and referred to Health and Human Services.
Bill died in committee.

HSLDA's Position:

Oppose.

Many parents are concerned about the medical risks of vaccinations. Parents, not the government, should have the right to make medical decisions, such as vaccinating their children. Parents should also have the ability to choose whether or not to place their children's immunization history on the Texas immunization registry. Making it harder to opt out of placing sensitive medical information on the registry will restrict a parent's right to monitor their children's medical history. If HB 772 passes, many parents may hypothetically be unaware that they can opt of sharing their children's immunization history. Keeping the opt-out option automatic is the current law and the best policy.

HSLDA's Position:

Oppose.

Many parents are concerned about the medical risks of vaccinations. Parents, not the government, should have the right to make medical decisions, such as vaccinating their children. Parents should also have the ability to choose whether or not to place their children's immunization history on the Texas immunization registry. Making it harder to opt out of placing sensitive medical information on the registry will restrict a parent's right to monitor their children's medical history. If SB 40 passes, many parents may hypothetically be unaware that they can opt of sharing their children's immunization history. Keeping the opt-out option automatic is the current law and the best policy.

Action Requested:

None at this time

Action Requested:

None at this time