Bill > LD174

This bill reinstates religious exemptions for immunization requirements across several contexts in Maine, allowing individuals to opt out of required vaccinations by submitting a written statement declaring a sincere religious belief that conflicts with immunization mandates. Specifically, the bill enables parents to claim a religious exemption for their children's immunizations in elementary, secondary, and postsecondary schools, and adds a new definition for "health care practitioners" who can also claim such exemptions. The legislation also modifies existing rules for nursery schools, permitting staff members to be exempt from communicable disease screening if they have a sincere religious objection. The bill effectively reverses previous legislation that had eliminated religious exemptions, returning the option for individuals to decline immunizations based on religious beliefs. Key changes include adding language to various sections of Maine's educational and health statutes that explicitly allow for religious exemptions and removing previous provisions that had restricted such exemptions. The bill requires state departments of education and health to update their rules to accommodate these religious exemptions, ensuring that the new provisions can be implemented across different educational and healthcare settings.

Education

https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/display_ps.asp?LD=174&snum=132