H.B. No. 1586 amends the Health and Safety Code to streamline the process for claiming exemptions from required immunizations for school enrollment. The bill mandates the Department of State Health Services to develop a blank affidavit form that individuals can use to claim such exemptions. This form will be available in a printable format on the department's website, and individuals can also request it in writing without needing to provide personal information. The bill removes the requirement for the affidavit form to contain a security device and instead requires it to include a statement about the benefits and risks of immunizations.

Additionally, the bill allows the department to maintain records of how many times the affidavit form is accessed or requested, while ensuring that no personally identifying information of individuals is recorded. The changes will take effect for the 2025-2026 school year, and the department is required to modify the existing affidavit form within 30 days of the bill's effective date. The act will become effective immediately if it receives a two-thirds vote from both houses; otherwise, it will take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Health and Safety Code 161.0041 (Health and Safety Code 161)
House Committee Report: Health and Safety Code 161.0041 (Health and Safety Code 161)
Engrossed: Health and Safety Code 161.0041 (Health and Safety Code 161)
Senate Committee Report: Health and Safety Code 161.0041 (Health and Safety Code 161)
Enrolled: Health and Safety Code 161.0041 (Health and Safety Code 161)