Maine education committee hears hours of testimony on bills to restore vaccine exemptions and repeal school immunization rules

The Joint Standing Committee on Education and Cultural Affairs heard more than three hours of testimony on two bills that would roll back parts of Maine’s school immunization requirements: LD 727, described by supporters as an act to repeal certain immunization requirements for schools, and LD 174, a proposal to restore religious exemptions.

Committee members heard sharply divided testimony, with doctors and public-health officials warning the measures would raise the risk of outbreaks and parents, providers and faith-based speakers describing families and children denied school access under the current law.

The bills drew personal stories and legal claims from supporters. Representative Tracy Quent, a registered nurse and sponsor of LD 727, told the committee the measure would “repeal the stripping of religious and philosophical exemptions for school vaccine mandates,” and said she was speaking for constituents who she said have been forced into homeschooling or driven out of state. Representative Gary Drinkwater said the repeal of religious and philosophical exemptions amounted to an unlawful denial of civil rights and urged the committee to "restore the civil rights of all the health care workers and the children." Representative Bob Foley described…