AN ACT PERMITTING A MORAL OR PHILOSOPHICAL OBJECTION AS AN EXEMPTION FROM SCHOOL IMMUNIZATION REQUIREMENTS.

HB 5198 would amend state law to allow parents or guardians to exempt children from school immunization requirements based on moral or philosophical objections, in addition to existing medical exemptions. This change would directly affect students enrolled in public and private schools, as well as their families who currently face limited exemption options. The bill’s key provision adds "moral or philosophical objection" as a formal category for exemption, requiring families to submit a written statement to school officials. It does not alter vaccine requirements or medical standards but expands the grounds for opting out of mandated immunizations.