Enrolled Bill Summary

Senate Bill 62	Senate Author:  Nelson
Effective:  10-1-13	House Sponsor:  Laubenberg

Senate Bill 62 amends the Education Code to lower from 30 to 22 years of age the minimum age at which a student entering an institution of higher education or private or independent institution of higher education is exempt from providing certain evidence to the institution that the student has received a bacterial meningitis vaccine dose or booster within the required period of time. The bill requires the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) to develop and implement a secure, Internet-based process to be used exclusively at public junior colleges that elect to use the process to allow an entering student to apply online for an exemption from the bacterial meningitis vaccination requirement for reasons of conscience. The bill sets out requirements relating to the design of the Internet-based process and the exemption form to be used by students and requires DSHS to report to the legislature annually the number of exemption applications in the preceding academic year using the process. The bill establishes format and deadline requirements for an affidavit signed by a student stating that the student declines the vaccination for bacterial meningitis for reasons of conscience.

Senate Bill 62 amends the Health and Safety Code to exempt a person claiming an exemption from a required immunization using the Internet-based process from certain affidavit requirements.