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House approves bill letting parents file personal vaccine exemptions without health‑department cosign
Summary
The House voted 46–25 on Jan. 30, 2002, to pass HB 243, which removes the requirement that a health‑department official cosign a parental personal exemption for school immunizations; supporters framed the bill as removing access barriers and protecting parental choice while opponents warned of oversight and public‑health risks.
The Utah House on Jan. 30 passed House Bill 243, a proposal that removes the requirement that a local health‑department official cosign a parent's personal exemption to school immunization requirements. The final floor vote was recorded as 46 yes and 25 no; the bill will be referred to the Senate for further consideration.
Sponsor Representative Lockhart argued the bill simply restores parental authority and removes an access burden for parents who must travel or take time off work to obtain a cosignature at a local health department. "Parents make choices," the sponsor said on the floor while describing…
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