Bill > S5128

This bill, known as the GRACE Act (Guaranteeing Religious Accommodation in Childhood Education Act), proposes to prohibit the federal government from providing education funds to schools or educational agencies that have vaccination requirements, unless those institutions allow for religious exemptions to those requirements. Specifically, an educational institution or agency, defined as an elementary school, secondary school, or local or state educational agency, cannot receive federal education funds if it mandates vaccinations without offering a policy that permits individuals, or their parents or guardians if they are under 18, to be excused from the vaccination requirement if they assert that receiving the vaccine would violate a sincerely held religious belief. Furthermore, the bill states that no documentation or other information should be required to prove the validity of such a religious assertion. A vaccination requirement is defined as any condition for enrollment, attendance, participation in activities, or employment that necessitates receiving one or more vaccinations.