State Senate Approves Controversial School Vaccination Bill
SACRAMENTO (CBS SF) – The California Senate has approved a controversial bill that removes personal belief exemptions for vaccinating schoolchildren in the state.
Senate Bill 277 would prohibit parents from seeking vaccine exemptions for their children because of religious or personal beliefs. It was approved Thursday by a 25-10 vote, despite the objection of a crowd of concerned parents in Sacramento.
The bill, co-authored by Senator Richard Pan, D-Sacramento and Senator Ben Allen, D-Santa Monica, was drawn up after the measles outbreak last year at Disneyland. Pan and Allen have adjusted the bill in hopes of increasing the likelihood it passes both the Senate and Assembly.
The proposal has come under intense scrutiny from parents who believe it infringes on their parental rights. Hearings in Sacramento have often featured a long line of speakers opposed to the measure.
SB 277 would make medical waivers available only for children who have health problems
The bill now moves to the state Assembly.
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