California Vaccine Bill Passes Major Hurdle
California's mandatory vaccine bill, inspired by the state's recent measles outbreak, passed the Senate Education Committee on Wednesday. Under the bill, parents enrolling their children in California schools will only be allowed to opt them out of vaccines for medical reasons and may no longer cite religious or personal beliefs as reasons not to immunize.
The 7-2 vote comes a week after the measure's authors decided to put the legislation on hold following heated testimony from other lawmakers, who raised concerns that the measure might limit children's access to education, the Sacramento Bee reported. Last week, the legislation was amended to allow parents who don't want their kids immunized to home-school or enroll their kids in an independent study program.
The bill now moves on to the Senate Judiciary Committee, the San Jose Mercury News reported. If it passes there, it will advance to assembly committees and, ultimately, Gov. Jerry Brown (D)'s desk for final approval.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/04/22/ca-vaccine-bill_n_7118912.html
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