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HB 24

School Behavioral Health Support Act; enact

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Viola Davis and 2 co-sponsors

HB 24 allows Alabama parents to easily exempt their K-12 and college students from vaccination requirements for religious reasons, enhancing parental rights in health decisions.

House Withdrawn Bill/Res Consideration
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 24

Summary of HB 24: Alabama Vaccination Exemption Bill

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 24 (HB 24) aims to amend existing laws regarding vaccination requirements for students in public K-12 schools and public institutions of higher education in Alabama. The bill seeks to provide clearer guidelines for religious exemptions from vaccination and testing requirements, thereby enhancing parental rights in making health decisions for their children.

Key Provisions

The bill introduces several significant changes to the current law:

  1. K-12 Religious Exemption:

    • Parents or guardians can submit a written declaration to exempt their child from vaccination or testing requirements based on religious beliefs.
    • The declaration does not require further explanation, certification from third parties, or approval from local education authorities.

  2. Higher Education Exemptions:

    • Public institutions of higher education must offer both medical and religious exemptions for vaccination or testing requirements.
    • Students can submit a written statement for religious exemptions without needing to provide additional justification.
    • For medical exemptions, a certification from a qualified medical authority is required.

  3. Amendment to Existing Law:

    • The bill amends Section 16-30-3 of the Code of Alabama 1975, clarifying the exemption process for both K-12 and higher education students.

Affected Parties

  • Students: The bill directly impacts K-12 students and those attending public colleges and universities in Alabama by allowing them to opt out of vaccination and testing requirements for religious or medical reasons.
  • Parents/Guardians: The legislation empowers parents and guardians by simplifying the exemption process and reducing bureaucratic hurdles.
  • Educational Institutions: Schools and universities will need to adjust their policies to comply with the new exemption requirements.

Procedural Aspects

  • Introduced: August 11, 2025
  • First Read: January 13, 2026
  • Current Status: The bill has been read for the first time and referred to the House Committee on Education Policy for further consideration.
  • Effective Date: If passed, the act will become effective on October 1, 2026.

Conclusion

HB 24 seeks to enhance the rights of parents and guardians regarding vaccination requirements for their children in both K-12 and higher education settings. By simplifying the exemption process for religious and medical reasons, the bill aims to provide greater autonomy in health-related decisions for families in Alabama.

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

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