Bill > S00266

This bill provides a religious exemption from vaccination requirements for school attendance by amending the New York Public Health Law to allow parents or guardians with genuine and sincere religious beliefs to opt their children out of mandatory vaccinations for school entry and continued attendance. Specifically, the bill adds a new subdivision to Section 2164 of the public health law that states that children whose parents or guardians hold religious beliefs contrary to vaccination practices cannot be denied school admission or attendance due to lack of immunization certificates. The bill also modifies existing language in related sections to reference this new religious exemption, including updating forms that inform parents about immunization requirements to indicate that consent is not necessary if the religious exemption applies. This change means that schools must accept unvaccinated children if their parents claim a genuine religious objection, without requiring additional documentation or proof of the religious belief. The amendment reflects a broader discussion about personal beliefs and medical mandates, providing parents with more flexibility in making vaccination decisions for their children while potentially impacting overall public health considerations.

Health and Social Services

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S266