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House passes immunization requirement for public schools after contentious debate and amendment
Summary
After hours of debate over exemptions, liability and parental choice, the Utah House amended and passed House Bill 9 requiring specified immunizations for school entry. Lawmakers approved an amendment changing exemption procedures by recorded vote 40–33; final passage was 61–13. The bill moves to the Senate.
Representative Julander spoke in support of House Bill 9 on public-safety grounds, urging colleagues to back a measure she described as protecting children from diseases such as pertussis and measles. "Vaccine is the best, thus preventing the illness," Representative Julander said, adding that medical and religious exemptions would remain under the bill.
The measure produced a sustained floor debate that split lawmakers along lines of collective public-health protection versus parental choice. Supporters cited recent local outbreaks and data on vaccine benefits; Representative Behn noted a Davis County measles outbreak and the county inoculation effort that administered "5,659 control shots" with no serious reactions observed, arguing that the bill helps prevent outbreaks and protects vulnerable people.
Opponents…
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