The proposed bill amends the North Dakota Century Code to establish an opt-out procedure for required vaccines. It stipulates that no state agency, political subdivision, or government entity may mandate an individual to receive a vaccine unless there is an available opt-out option for health, religious, or philosophical reasons. The bill outlines specific exemptions to this requirement, including entities such as the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, law enforcement agencies, local public health units, and various healthcare providers, among others.
Additionally, the bill clarifies that the opt-out provisions do not apply during a declared public health disaster or emergency. It also modifies existing language regarding vaccine requirements for schools and childcare facilities, ensuring compliance with specific regulations while allowing for the opt-out procedure. Overall, the bill aims to provide individuals with more autonomy regarding vaccine requirements while maintaining certain exemptions for specific entities and circumstances.