Health: immunizations; promulgation of certain rules that are more stringent than the requirements for claiming exemption from immunizations; prohibit. Amends sec. 1177 of 1976 PA 451 (MCL 380.1177). TIE BAR WITH: HB 5634'26
Summary
HB 5635 amends section 1177 of the Revised School Code, which governs school immunization and vision-screening requirements for children entering Michigan public or nonpublic schools. The bill requires a child enrolling in school for the first time, or entering grade 7 for the first time beginning in the 2014-2015 school year, to submit proof of immunization, a valid religious or other objection to immunization, or a physician’s statement that the child is in the process of meeting immunization requirements. It also preserves the kindergarten vision-screening requirement, allowing an exemption for religious convictions.
The bill also continues the reporting obligations for school administrators to provide the Department of Community Health and Human Services with immunization and vision-screening information for newly enrolled students, including annual reports due November 1 and February 1. It directs the department to promulgate rules for implementation, including identifying the diseases covered by the immunization requirement. The bill is tie-barred to HB 5634 or the related Senate bill, meaning it would not take effect unless one of those companion measures is enacted.
Impact
HB 5635 would amend Michigan school health law by updating the statutory framework for student immunization compliance, exemption documentation, kindergarten vision screening, and school reporting duties. It affects parents, guardians, school administrators, local health departments, and the state health department by preserving existing enrollment documentation requirements and reporting processes while linking implementation to companion legislation. The bill does not create a new standalone program, but it reinforces and conditions the existing school-entry health compliance system under MCL 380.1177.
Sentiment
Based on the bill caption and the absence of recorded committee testimony or votes in the provided material, the bill appears to be a technical or policy-driven measure focused on school immunization rules rather than a highly debated proposal in this record. The tie-bar with HB 5634 suggests it is part of a broader legislative package addressing immunization exemptions and related administrative rules. No direct vote history or transcript evidence is provided to show formal support or opposition.
Contention
The main point of contention indicated by the bill caption is immunization policy, specifically the prohibition on promulgating rules that are more stringent than the requirements for claiming an exemption from immunizations. That issue typically pits public health advocates and school compliance interests against opponents of stricter vaccination mandates and those concerned about parental or religious exemptions. Because no committee transcripts or votes are included, the record does not identify specific legislators, agencies, or advocacy groups taking positions, but the exemption standard and rulemaking limits are the likely disputed elements.
Same As
Health: immunizations; promulgation of certain rules that are more stringent than the requirements for claiming exemption from immunizations; prohibit. Amends sec. 9215 of 1978 PA 368 (MCL 333.9215).