This bill mandates the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to provide clear notice of medical and religious exemptions from immunization requirements. Specifically, it requires that any promotional material related to vaccinations prominently display the statement, “MEDICAL AND RELIGIOUS EXEMPTIONS ARE AVAILABLE UNDER NEW HAMPSHIRE LAW.” The bill also allows parents or legal guardians to submit any written signed statement attesting to their religious objection to immunization, rather than being restricted to a specific form provided by the DHHS. Additionally, the bill introduces civil penalties for DHHS employees who fail to include the required notice in promotional materials, with penalties not exceeding $1,000 for each violation.

Furthermore, the bill establishes an annual compliance report that the DHHS must submit by December 31 each year. This report will detail all promotional campaigns and materials disseminated in the previous fiscal year, confirm whether the required notice was included, and outline any violations and penalties assessed. The bill does not allocate new funding or positions but anticipates the need for a part-time medical health services specialist to manage these requirements, with estimated costs increasing over the next few fiscal years. The act will take effect 30 days after its passage.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 141-C:20-c, 141-C:21
HB1584 text: 141-C:20-c, 141-C:21