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Bill

S 5724

Requires the immunization of certain post-secondary students against hepatitis B

2025 Regular Session Introduced by James Skoufis

Bill S 5724 mandates hepatitis B vaccinations for post-secondary students in health-related programs, aiming to reduce infections and enhance public health.

REFERRED TO HEALTH
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Bill Summary · S 5724

Summary of Bill S 5724

Bill Information

  • Bill Number: S 5724
  • Title: Requires the immunization of certain post-secondary students against hepatitis B
  • Status: Referred to Health
  • Introduced: February 28, 2025
  • Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

Bill S 5724 aims to enhance public health by mandating hepatitis B vaccinations for specific groups of post-secondary students. The intent is to reduce the incidence of hepatitis B infections among young adults, particularly those in educational settings where the risk of transmission may be higher.

Key Provisions

  • Immunization Requirement: The bill stipulates that certain post-secondary students must receive the hepatitis B vaccine before enrollment or attendance at institutions of higher education.
  • Scope of Applicability: The requirement targets students who are enrolled in programs that may expose them to blood or bodily fluids, such as nursing, medical, and other health-related fields.
  • Exemptions: The bill may include provisions for medical or religious exemptions, allowing students to opt-out of the vaccination under specific circumstances.

Affected Parties

  • Post-Secondary Students: The primary group affected by this legislation includes students enrolled in post-secondary institutions, particularly those in health-related programs.
  • Educational Institutions: Colleges and universities will need to implement policies to ensure compliance with the vaccination requirement, which may involve tracking vaccination records and informing students of their obligations.
  • Public Health Community: The bill is likely to have a broader impact on public health by potentially decreasing the spread of hepatitis B among young adults.

Procedural Aspects

  • Legislative Process: As of February 28, 2025, the bill has been referred to the Health Committee for further consideration. The progression of the bill will depend on discussions, potential amendments, and votes within the committee and the broader legislative body.
  • Related Legislation: This bill is related to prior session Bill S 8417 and has a companion bill, A 2078, which may address similar issues or provide additional context for the vaccination requirement.

Conclusion

Bill S 5724 represents a proactive approach to public health by mandating hepatitis B vaccinations for certain post-secondary students. By targeting those in high-risk educational programs, the bill seeks to mitigate the spread of hepatitis B and protect the health of students and the wider community. The bill's progress will be closely monitored as it moves through the legislative process.

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

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