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HB 6614

AN ACT AUTHORIZING A RELIGIOUS EXEMPTION TO SCHOOL VACCINATION REQUIREMENTS.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Anne Dauphinais and 1 co-sponsor

Bill authorizes religious exemptions to school vaccination requirements, allowing parents to opt children out based on faith-based objections.

REF. TO JOINT COMM. ON Public Health
#immunization #schools
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Bill Summary · HB 6614

Legislative bill overview

HB 6614 would create a religious exemption to Connecticut's school vaccination requirements, allowing parents to opt their children out of mandatory vaccines based on religious beliefs. Currently, Connecticut law permits medical and religious exemptions, but this bill would clarify or expand the scope of religious exemption protections for school-age children.

Why is this important

Vaccination exemptions directly affect public health policy and herd immunity thresholds in schools. The balance between individual religious liberty and community disease prevention is a contentious issue with real consequences—outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases (measles, pertussis) have occurred in communities with lower vaccination rates, affecting vulnerable populations including infants and immunocompromised individuals who cannot be vaccinated.

Potential points of contention

  • Religious exemption scope: Defining what qualifies as a genuine religious belief versus personal preference; some religions don't formally prohibit vaccines, creating definitional disputes
  • Public health vs. individual liberty: Tension between protecting community immunity thresholds needed to prevent disease outbreaks and respecting parental decision-making autonomy
  • Vulnerable populations: Impact on unvaccinated children's interactions with infants, elderly, and immunocompromised individuals who depend on high vaccination rates for protection

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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