2015 -- S 0381

========

LC001395

========

     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2015

____________

A N   A C T

RELATING TO EDUCATION - IMMUNIZATIONS

     Introduced By: Senators Miller, and Goldin

     Date Introduced: February 25, 2015

     Referred To: Senate Health & Human Services

     It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

     SECTION 1. Section 16-38-2 of the General Laws in Chapter 16-38 entitled "Offenses

Pertaining to Schools [See Title 16 Chapter 97 - The Rhode Island Board of Education Act]" is

hereby amended to read as follows:

     16-38-2. Immunization. -- (a) Every person upon entering any public or private school

including any college or university in this state as a pupil shall furnish to the administrative head

of the school evidence that the person has been immunized against any diseases that may from

time to time be prescribed by regulation of the director of health and tested for tuberculosis, or a

certificate from a licensed physician stating that the person is not a fit subject for immunization

for medical reasons, or a certificate signed by the pupil, if over eighteen (18) years of age, or by

the parent or guardian stating that immunization and/or testing for communicable diseases is

contrary to that person's religious beliefs. It shall be the responsibility of the administrative head

of the school to secure compliance with these regulations.

      (b) Every child more than twenty-four (24) months of age, resident in the state of Rhode

Island, shall be eligible to receive the immunization against meningococcal disease. The

Department of Health shall include meningococcal vaccine in the department's immunization

program, established by § 23-1-44.

     SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.

========

LC001395

========

LC001395 - Page 2 of 3

EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

A N   A C T

RELATING TO EDUCATION - IMMUNIZATIONS

***

     This act would remove the religious beliefs exemption from the requirement that all

pupils in a public or private school in this state be immunized and/or tested for communicable

diseases.

     This act would take effect upon passage.

========

LC001395

========

LC001395 - Page 3 of 3