Bill
Bill > HB1244
MS HB1244
MS HB1244Vaccine exemption; authorize for religious, philosophical or conscientious reasons.
summary
Introduced
01/19/2026
01/19/2026
In Committee
01/19/2026
01/19/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
02/03/2026
02/03/2026
Introduced Session
2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
An Act To Amend Section 41-23-37, Mississippi Code Of 1972, To Provide That A Child Will Be Exempt From The Requirement To Have Any Specific Vaccination In Order To Attend A School Or Postsecondary Educational Institution If The Child's Parent Or Guardian Submits To The School Or Postsecondary Educational Institution A Letter Or Affidavit That Documents Which Required Vaccinations Have Been Given, And Which Vaccinations Have Not Been Given On The Basis That They Are Contrary To His Or Her Religious, Philosophical Or Conscientious Beliefs; To Prescribe The Content To Be Included In The Letter Or Affidavit Submitted To The School District, School Or Postsecondary Educational Institution Of Enrollment; To Amend Section 43-20-8, Mississippi Code Of 1972, To Authorize Exemptions From The Immunization Requirements Licensed Child Care Facilities When A Parent Or Legal Guardian Objects To Immunization Of The Child On The Grounds That The Immunization Conflicts With The Religious, Philosophical Or Conscientious Beliefs Of The Parent Or Guardian; To Provide That A Parent Or Guardian Must First Furnish The Responsible Official Of The Facility An Affidavit In Which The Parent Or Guardian Swears Or Affirms That The Immunization Required Conflicts With The Religious, Philosophical Or Conscientious Beliefs Of The Parent Or Guardian Before A Child Is Exempted From Immunization On Religious Grounds; And For Related Purposes.
AI Summary
This bill amends Mississippi law to allow for exemptions from required vaccinations for children attending schools, postsecondary educational institutions, and licensed child care facilities. Parents or guardians can now submit a signed and notarized letter or affidavit to the educational institution or facility stating that specific vaccinations conflict with their religious, philosophical, or conscientious beliefs. This exemption requires the parent or guardian to acknowledge they have been informed of the risks and benefits of vaccination and non-vaccination, and understand that their child may be removed from school or care during an outbreak until it is resolved and approved by health officials. For conscientious belief exemptions, a new form must be submitted annually. The bill also clarifies that for child care facilities, an affidavit must be provided to the facility's responsible official before a child can be exempted from immunization requirements due to religious, philosophical, or conscientious beliefs.
Committee Categories
Health and Social Services
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Died In Committee (on 02/03/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
Loading...
bill summary
Loading...
bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2026/pdf/history/HB/HB1244.xml |
| BillText | https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/documents/2026/html/HB/1200-1299/HB1244IN.htm |
Loading...