The bill, H.B. No. 1468, amends Section 224.002(c) of the Health and Safety Code to establish clearer guidelines regarding vaccine exemptions for individuals covered under vaccine preventable disease policies at certain health care facilities. The amendment specifies that the policy "shall" include procedures for individuals to be exempt from required vaccines based on reasons of conscience, including religious beliefs. Additionally, it states that a health care facility "shall not reject an exemption based on reasons of conscience, including a religious belief, for any reason."

This legislation aims to strengthen the rights of individuals seeking vaccine exemptions by ensuring that health care facilities cannot deny these exemptions arbitrarily. The bill is set to take effect immediately upon receiving a two-thirds vote from both houses of the Texas Legislature; otherwise, it will take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Health and Safety Code 224.002 (Health and Safety Code 224)