Bill > S2623

This bill establishes the Community Immunity Act, which creates comprehensive regulations for immunization requirements in various educational and community settings, including child care centers, schools, recreational camps, and higher education institutions. The bill requires participants in these "covered programs" to provide documentation of immunizations according to a schedule established by the Department of Public Health, with two types of exemptions available: medical (based on a healthcare provider's determination) and religious (for sincere religious beliefs). The legislation mandates that covered programs report immunization and exemption rates annually, and programs that do not achieve "herd immunity" (population-wide resistance to disease spread) will be designated as "elevated risk programs." These elevated risk programs must notify responsible adults, potentially host informational presentations, and may be required to exclude unimmunized participants during public health emergencies. The Department of Public Health is tasked with developing standardized exemption forms, conducting community outreach about immunizations, collecting and publishing immunization data with detailed demographic breakdowns, and creating an informational pamphlet about immunization safety and efficacy. Most provisions of the bill will take effect on July 1, 2026, with some sections taking effect immediately upon enactment.

Health and Social Services

Joint Committee on Public Health (Joint)

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S2623