In the House of Representatives, House Bill 438 was introduced relating to immunization requiring an exemption. The bill has been received by the House and passed but has not been scheduled for a first reading. The bill focuses on exceptions to immunization requirements for minor students.
The bill states, “Any minor child whose parent or guardian has submitted to school officials a certificate signed by a physician licensed by the state board of medic instating that the physical condition of the child is such that all or any of the required immunizations would endanger the life or health of the child shall be exempt from the provisions of this chapter”
These are the exceptions laid out, but this minor’s parents must submit a signed statement to the school officials of their objection on religious or other grounds.
The bill also states, “School Officials shall declare that immunizations are not mandatory and may be refused on religious or other grounds pursuant to section 39-4804, Idaho Code” “This bill will not affect the University of Idaho as we are a public institution, and we were never able to require vaccinations and have to honor religious exemptions from vaccination.” Bethany Fehernkamp, an assistant clinical professor at the University of Idaho said.
This House bill was first introduced and read for the first time on Jan. 29 and referred for printing. The bill was then reported out of committee with a “do pass” recommendation and filed for a second reading.
On Feb. 22, the bill was read completely and passed with 58 yeas, 10 nays, and 2 abstentions. The House bill is currently filed for the first reading and referred again to Health and Welfare. The author of the bill, Representative Healy, gave no comment.