2019 -- H 5165

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LC000602

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2019

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A N   A C T

RELATING TO EDUCATION - OFFENSES PERTAINING TO SCHOOLS

     Introduced By: Representatives Morin, Casey, Phillips, Vella-Wilkinson, and Johnston

     Date Introduced: January 23, 2019

     Referred To: House Health, Education & Welfare

     (by request)

It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

     SECTION 1. Section 16-38-2 of the General Laws in Chapter 16-38 entitled "Offenses

Pertaining to Schools [See Title 16 Chapter 97 - The Rhode Island Board of Education Act]" is

hereby amended to read as follows:

     16-38-2. Immunization.

     (a) Every person upon entering any public or private school including any college or

university in this state as a pupil shall furnish to the administrative head of the school evidence

that the person has been immunized against any diseases that may from time to time be prescribed

by regulation of the director of health and tested for tuberculosis, or a certificate from a licensed

physician stating that the person is not a fit subject for immunization for medical reasons, or a

certificate signed by the pupil, if over eighteen (18) years of age, or by the parent or guardian

stating that immunization and/or testing for communicable diseases is contrary to that person's

personal, philosophical, or religious beliefs. It shall be the responsibility of the administrative

head of the school to secure compliance with these regulations.

     (b) Every child more than twenty-four (24) months of age, resident in the state of Rhode

Island, shall be eligible to receive the immunization against meningococcal disease. The

Department of Health shall include meningococcal vaccine in the department's immunization

program, established by § 23-1-44.

     SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.

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EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

A N   A C T

RELATING TO EDUCATION - OFFENSES PERTAINING TO SCHOOLS

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     This act would provide an exception to required school immunizations for pupils whose

personal, philosophical, or religious beliefs are contrary to immunization and/or testing.

     This act would take effect upon passage.

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