House passes three‑bill immunization compromise for schools (education module, conditional enrollment, statewide registry)

Representative Thurston presented a three‑part compromise to address school‑related immunization policy: HB 308 creates an online public education module parents may use to claim an exemption without paying a fee and sets module validity rules; HB 309 establishes conditional enrollment so children missing records may attend while parents provide documentation within 21 days (and clarifies outbreak response procedures); HB 310 brings the statewide immunization information system into statute to close reporting gaps and encourage universal provider reporting while preserving parents’ opt‑out rights.

Thurston said the package reflects extensive stakeholder work over the summer and that the three bills together create clarity for schools, parents and health providers. He explained that conditional enrollment replaces an antiquated referral to juvenile justice for missing vaccines, requires schools to work with public health during outbreaks and sets review periods for forms. On HB 310 the sponsor said families will keep the option to opt out, and the bill does not require reporting of an unvaccinated child’s status into the registry.

Each bill was amended to correct the statutory definition of “school” and summations were waived. The House passed HB 308 (first substitute) 72–0, HB 309 (first substitute) 60–9, and HB 310 69–0; each will be transmitted to the Senate for its consideration.

What happens next: The package moves to the Senate where committees may hold additional hearings and consider further amendments.