Senate Bill 522: Establishing a Religious Objection to Immunizations

West Virginia
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Last Updated: February 18, 2011

Sponsors:

Senators Boley, Kessler, Browning, Sypolt, Miller, Minard, Tucker, Barnes, Klempa, Yost, Edgell, Hall, and Nohe

Summary:

SB 522 provides a clear exception to immunization requirements for parents who object to immunizations because of "religious, conscientious or philosophical beliefs." Such a parent must sign a notarized form, prescribed by the Department of Education, stating that the child has not been immunized because of these beliefs.

HSLDA's Position:

Support.

Action Requested:

None at this time

Status:

2/16/2011 (Senate) Introduced and referred to Health and Human Resources
3/12/2011 (Senate) This bill died when the legislature adjourned on March 12, 2011

Background:

West Virginia is one of the only states left in the Union that does not allow parents a way to opt out of immunizations for conscientious, religious or philosophical reasons. Parents are the best suited to make medical decisions of this kind and the rights of conscience should be respected and this bill does just that.