SPONSOR: Eggleston
This bill relates to immunizations and the powers of government entities and employers during a statewide health emergency.
IMMUNIZATIONS (Sections 167.181, 174.335, 190.091, 210.003, 210.030 and 334.157, RSMo.)
Currently, if an immunization is required there must be specified reasons and documentation as to why he or she should not be vaccinated. This bill:
(1) Removes limitations on the reasoning for objections to immunizations in public schools (Section 167.181 RSMo);
(2) Modifies the immunization requirements for meningococcal vaccinations in public institutions of higher education (Section 174.335);
(3) Modifies immunization requirements for first responders (Section 190.091);
(4) Modifies immunization requirements for daycares (Section 210.003);
(5) Adds maternal consent as a requirement for the administration of the hepatitis B vaccine and immune globulin for unborn and newborn children (Section 210.030); and
(6) Removes rule making authority from the State Board of Registration for the Healing Arts for physicians relating to the hepatitis B vaccine and immunoglobulin for neonates (Section 334.157).
STATEWIDE HEALTH EMERGENCY (Sections 191.248 and 292.653)
During the period that a statewide health emergency exists or continues, any governmental entity, as defined in the bill, is prohibited under the provisions of this bill from requiring face coverings to prevent the spread of a contagious illness, requiring testing to determine if a person has contracted or recovered from a contagious illness, requiring any person or entity to conduct or participate in contact tracing, or requiring any person to receive an immunization against contagious illness. The bill prevents government entities from imposing penalties on any person, business, or church that does not follow government guidance in relation to the spread of a contagious illness (Section 191.248). The bill likewise prevents employers doing business in this state during a statewide health emergency from requiring face coverings to prevent the spread of a contagious illness, requiring testing to determine if an employee has contracted or recovered from a contagious illness, requiring an employee to conduct or participate in contact tracing, or requiring an employee receive an immunization against contagious illness. The bill prevents employers from penalizing any employee that engages in or refuses to engage in described behaviors (Section 292.653).
The bill contains an emergency clause.
Statutes affected: