The Alabama Vaccination Exemption Bill amends Section 16-30-3 of the Code of Alabama 1975 to streamline the process for public K-12 school students to obtain exemptions from vaccination requirements for religious reasons. The bill removes the previous stipulation that exemptions could only be granted in the absence of an epidemic or immediate threat. Instead, it allows parents or guardians to object in writing on the grounds that vaccination conflicts with their religious beliefs. Additionally, it introduces a new provision that a written statement from a parent or guardian, along with a board-approved physical evaluation form, will suffice for exemption without the need for further explanation or approval from the local board of education.

Furthermore, the bill mandates that public institutions of higher education must provide both medical and religious exemptions to vaccination and testing requirements. Students can submit a written statement for religious exemptions, accompanied by a physical evaluation form completed within the last 12 months, without needing to explain their reasons or obtain third-party certification. For medical exemptions, a statement from a competent medical authority is required. The act is set to take effect on October 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 16-30-3, 16-30-3
Engrossed: 16-30-3, 16-30-3