- Introduced -

SB 112 - This act allows parents to refuse to immunize their children without providing certain justifications.

Currently, Section 167.181, RSMo, allows a parent to exempt their school-age child from immunization by providing a written objection citing either religious beliefs or medical reasons. This act expands the ability of parents to refuse to immunize their children by not restricting the written objection to religious beliefs or medical contraindications. However, if the objection is due to medical contraindications, a statement from the child's physician to the school is still required.

Currently, Section 210.003, RSMo, allows a parent to exempt a daycare-age child from immunization by providing a written objection citing either medical contraindications or reasons as determined by the Department of Health and Senior Services. This act removes the provision allowing the Department to stipulate the reasons for an exemption and instead permits a parent to exempt a child through written objection only. For the medical exemption, a licensed physician must still certify that the immunization would endanger the child's health or life.

This act is identical to SB 951 (2002).

LORIE TOWE