H.B. No. 3304 introduces substantial changes to vaccination mandates in Texas, prohibiting any governmental entity or official from requiring vaccinations or participation in vaccine administration. The bill amends the Education Code, Health and Safety Code, and Family Code to eliminate existing immunization requirements for school admission and attendance, including the removal of proof of immunizations in enrollment processes. It emphasizes that schools and higher education institutions cannot mandate vaccinations and requires the Department of State Health Services to prepare a list of recommended immunizations instead of required ones. Additionally, the bill protects caregivers who choose not to vaccinate their children and ensures that individuals cannot be vaccinated without their consent during public health emergencies.

The bill also modifies the vaccination policy for employees at child-care facilities by shifting from a requirement for vaccinations to an encouragement based on risk levels. It mandates that policies include recommended vaccines, procedures for employees who decline vaccinations, and protections against discrimination or retaliation. Several provisions from the Education Code and Health and Safety Code are repealed to streamline vaccination policies, and facilities must update their vaccine-preventable disease policies by January 1, 2026. The changes will take effect for the 2025-2026 school year, with immediate effect possible upon a two-thirds vote from both houses; otherwise, the bill will take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Education Code 25.002, Education Code 38.001, Education Code 38.019, Education Code 51.933, Family Code 264.1076, Health and Safety Code 12.033, Health and Safety Code 81.082, Health and Safety Code 81.085, Health and Safety Code 161.0051, Health and Safety Code 161.0074, Health and Safety Code 161.0105, Health and Safety Code 161.001, Human Resources Code 31.0031, Human Resources Code 42.043, Human Resources Code 42.04305 (Human Resources Code 42, Health and Safety Code 161, Education Code 51, Health and Safety Code 81, Human Resources Code 31, Education Code 38, Family Code 264, Health and Safety Code 12, Education Code 25)