This bill amends the Code of West Virginia to provide exemptions from compulsory immunization requirements for school children, specifically accommodating religious and philosophical beliefs. It establishes the State Health Officer's responsibilities, including the removal of the State Immunization Officer position and the reporting requirements previously mandated for school personnel regarding unvaccinated children. The bill revises the medical exemption process, allowing for exemptions based on written statements from healthcare providers indicating that specific immunizations may be detrimental to a child's health.

Additionally, the bill prohibits schools and state-regulated child care centers from excluding children who exercise these exemptions from participating in extracurricular activities or attending school-based events. It also allows individuals to pursue civil action against schools or child care centers that take adverse actions against those seeking or granted exemptions. The bill emphasizes the importance of accommodating religious and moral objections to vaccinations, asserting that compulsory immunization infringes on the rights of West Virginians to practice their beliefs while ensuring their children's access to public education.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 16-3-4
Committee Substitute: 16-3-4