An Act relative to the protection of medical exemptions for immunizations for school attendance
This bill amends Massachusetts law to strengthen protections for parents who seek medical exemptions for school immunizations. It clarifies that a physician's decision to grant an exemption based on independent medical judgment regarding a child's health risks cannot be used against them for disciplinary action or employment consequences. The legislation also ensures that these medical exemption records remain confidential and cannot be shared with anyone outside the school health program without parental consent. Additionally, the text reaffirms that children whose parents object to vaccines on religious grounds are not required to provide a medical certificate for school attendance.
Bill status
passed
3 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2023
Committee Review
Jul 2023
Senate Passage
Jul 2023
Governor
Introduced Feb 16, 2023
Last action Jul 1, 2024
Floor votes
How they voted
This bill passed the Senate. No roll call record of that vote is available.
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
7
Key actions
2
Committee
2
Jul 13, 2023
Upper · Passed
Senate concurred
upper
Jul 10, 2023
Committee
Discharged to the committee on Public Health
lower
Feb 16, 2023
Upper · Passed
Senate concurred
upper
Feb 16, 2023
Committee
Referred to the committee on Education
lower
1 primary · 5 co-sponsors
Sponsors
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