Michigan 2025-2026 Regular Session

Michigan Senate Bill SB0798

Introduced
2/24/26  

Caption

Health: immunizations; promulgation of certain rules that are more stringent than the requirements for claiming exemption from immunizations; prohibit. Amends sec. 1177 of 1976 PA 451 (MCL 380.1177). TIE BAR WITH: SB 0797'26

Impact

An important aspect of SB0798 is the requirement for parents or guardians of children entering kindergarten for the first time to also provide a statement related to a vision screening test. This is aimed at ensuring early detection of potential vision issues, thus promoting better educational outcomes. Furthermore, the bill mandates that school administrators annually report the immunization status of new enrollments and kindergarten entrants to the Department of Community Health, enhancing the state's ability to track and manage public health data.

Summary

Senate Bill 798 (SB0798) aims to amend the Revised School Code (1976 PA 451) by instituting stricter requirements for immunization documentation for children enrolling in schools. Under this bill, children entering public or nonpublic schools for the first time, as well as those transitioning into grade 7, must provide confirmation from a physician that they have been immunized against diseases specified by the Department of Community Health and Human Services. Alternatively, parents may submit a statement indicating a religious objection or that their child is in the process of complying with immunization requirements.

Conclusion

Overall, SB0798 reflects a legislative effort to bolster public health through enhanced immunization compliance in schools. By implementing these measures, Michigan aims to reduce the incidence of vaccine-preventable diseases among children, while also addressing the need for comprehensive vision screenings as part of the school enrollment process.

Contention

Points of contention surrounding SB0798 primarily center on the implications for religious exemptions to immunization. Critics may argue that the bill potentially infringes upon the rights of parents to make decisions regarding their children's health based on personal or religious beliefs. Supporters, however, contend that the public health benefits of increased immunization rates outweigh these concerns. They emphasize that the legislation is intended to safeguard the health of all students by ensuring higher immunization compliance rates.

Companion Bills

MI SB0797

Same As Health: immunizations; promulgation of certain rules that are more stringent than the requirements for claiming exemption from immunizations; prohibit. Amends sec. 9215 of 1978 PA 368 (MCL 333.9215).

Previously Filed As

MI HB5635

Health: immunizations; promulgation of certain rules that are more stringent than the requirements for claiming exemption from immunizations; prohibit. Amends sec. 1177 of 1976 PA 451 (MCL 380.1177). TIE BAR WITH: HB 5634'26

MI HB4553

Education: attendance; promulgation of certain rules that are more stringent than the requirements for claiming exemption from immunizations; prohibit. Amends sec. 1177 of 1976 PA 451 (MCL 380.1177). TIE BAR WITH: HB 4552'25

MI SB0797

Health: immunizations; promulgation of certain rules that are more stringent than the requirements for claiming exemption from immunizations; prohibit. Amends sec. 9215 of 1978 PA 368 (MCL 333.9215).

MI HB5634

Health: immunizations; promulgation of certain rules that are more stringent than the requirements for claiming exemption from immunizations; prohibit. Amends sec. 9215 of 1978 PA 368 (MCL 333.9215).

MI HB4552

Health: immunizations; promulgation of certain rules and regulations that are more stringent than the vaccination exemptions provided in statute and that exclude individuals from school as a disease control measure; prohibit. Amends secs. 9215 & 9227 of 1978 PA 368 (MCL 333.9215 & 333.9227) & adds sec. 5115a. TIE BAR WITH: HB 4553'25

MI HB5348

Education: other; exemptions to immunization requirements; modify to require the use of forms created by the department of health and human services. Amends sec. 1177 of 1976 PA 451 (MCL 380.1177). TIE BAR WITH: HB 5349'25

MI HB5351

Health: immunizations; certain information used in promulgating rules on immunizations; provide for. Amends sec. 9227 of 1978 PA 368 (MCL 333.9227). TIE BAR WITH: HB 5353'25

MI HB5349

Health: immunizations; exemptions to immunization requirements; modify to require the use of forms created by the department. Amends sec. 9215 of 1978 PA 368 (MCL 333.9215).

MI HB730

Relating to the affidavit form for claiming an exemption from required immunizations.

MI HB1082

Relating to claiming an exemption from required immunizations for school enrollment.

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