The proposed bill, known as the Health Freedom for Teachers and Students Act of 2026, seeks to amend the Code of West Virginia by introducing new provisions that prohibit mandated immunizations or medical treatments for both teachers and students. Specifically, it establishes a new section, 18A-2A-2, which states that no school employee shall be required to receive any immunization, injection, or medical treatment as a condition of employment, nor shall they face coercion or intimidation to do so. Additionally, the bill amends section 18A-5-1c to include a similar prohibition for students, ensuring that no student can be mandated to receive immunizations or medical treatments as a condition of enrollment in West Virginia schools.

Both provisions are designed to protect the rights of teachers and students regarding their health choices, emphasizing that these rights come without the pressure of coercion from school employees. The bill stipulates that these new regulations will take effect immediately upon passage, reinforcing the urgency of the proposed changes. The legislation aims to create a safer and more respectful environment for educators and students by safeguarding their autonomy over personal health decisions.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 18A-2A-2, 18A-5-1c