The bill amends Section 22-8-4 of the Code of Alabama 1975 to require written consent from a parent or legal guardian for any unemancipated minor to receive a vaccination. Previously, minors who were 14 years of age or older, had graduated from high school, were married, divorced, or pregnant could give effective consent for medical, dental, health, or mental health services without the need for consent from another person. The new language specifies that despite these conditions, an unemancipated minor cannot consent to vaccinations without written parental or guardian consent unless they are not dependent on a parent or legal guardian for support, are living apart from their parents or guardians, and are managing their own affairs.

The bill introduces new subsections (a) and (b) to the existing law. Subsection (a) retains the original provision with minor modifications, such as changing "shall be" to "is" necessary for consent. Subsection (b) adds the new requirement for written consent for vaccinations. The bill is set to become effective on October 1, 2024, and has passed through the House of Representatives with 81 yeas, 17 nays, and 3 abstains on April 25, 2024.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 22-8-4, 22-8-4
Engrossed: 22-8-4, 22-8-4