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Lawmakers split over bill requiring parental consent for HPV and hepatitis B vaccines; House approves 63–29
Summary
A lengthy floor debate over Senate File 304, which would require parental consent for minors to receive HPV and hepatitis B vaccines, featured doctors and lawmakers debating public‑health impacts and parental rights; the House passed the bill 63–29 with 8 absent/not voting.
Senate File 304 prompted extended debate as members questioned medical evidence, clinical practice and the implications for adolescent access to cancer‑preventing vaccines. Representative Rochelle and Representative Bathe framed HPV and hepatitis B vaccines as cancer‑prevention tools: "These vaccines are cancer prevention at its best," one lawmaker said.
Opponents contended the bill removes an important clinical pathway for adolescents to consent to preventive care in cases where parental involvement is a barrier; Representative Shipley and others questioned whether the bill would restrict care for victims of abuse or adolescents without trusting caregivers. Representative Sreenivas directly raised concerns that removing minor‑consent capability could harm children who are victims of assault and require confidential access to services.
Floor exchanges included medical questioning about the age ranges for Gardasil and whether existing laws allowing minors to consent to sexually transmitted‑infection care influenced vaccination rates. The House adopted the Senate amendment and passed the bill by recorded vote (63 ayes, 29 no, 8 absent/not voting). The title was agreed to and the bill will be messaged to the Senate.
