WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

SB 118

Relating to the repeal of the authority to exclude certain students without certain required immunizations from attending public school in times of emergency or epidemic.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Bob Hall

SB 118 repeals Texas authority allowing schools to exclude unimmunized students during disease emergencies or epidemics, limiting public health response tools.

Referred to Education K-16
#education--primary&secondary--admission&attendance(i0227) #immunizations(s4341) #minors--health&safety(i0533)
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 118

Legislative bill overview

SB 118 would repeal Texas law that currently allows school districts to exclude unimmunized students from public schools during emergencies or epidemics. The bill removes the state's authority to enforce immunization requirements as a condition of attendance when disease outbreaks occur.

Why is this important

This change directly affects public health response capacity during disease outbreaks by eliminating a traditional tool that school districts use to prevent disease transmission in educational settings. It also impacts parental choice, school operations during health crises, and potentially vulnerable populations who cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons.

Potential points of contention

  • Public health authority: Removing exclusion power limits schools' ability to contain communicable diseases during outbreaks, which medical and public health organizations typically support as a disease control measure
  • Parental rights vs. community protection: Balances individual choice against the protection of immunocompromised students, infants, and others medically unable to receive vaccines
  • Emergency preparedness: Questions whether schools can adequately respond to serious epidemics without exclusion authority, potentially forcing closure rather than selective attendance restrictions

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

Sign in to ask a question.