(WKBN) — Ohio State representatives introduced a new House Bill to ensure that parents of public and chartered school students are informed of their rights and that students aren’t being excluded due to vaccination status.
In Ohio, a law exists that provides religious and medical vaccine exemptions for children in daycares, preschools and K-12 schools.
The recently introduced House Bill 561, known as Parental Clarity on Health Options and Information on Conscientious Exemptions Act (CHOICE) — presented by Representatives Melanie Miller and Monica Robb Blasdel — aims to ensure families are informed to make choices that reflect their values or medical circumstances.
“Ohio parents should never be denied their lawful rights or face confusion about the exemption process,” Blasdel said. “The C.H.O.I.C.E. Act protects those rights while ensuring schools remain compliant with state law.”
Key provisions in this bill include the requirement that schools honor Ohio’s current medical, religious and conscientious exemptions, while also prohibiting schools from requiring any additional forms. It requires schools to inform parents and encourage proper communication about vaccine requirements.
Processes to report violations of these laws are established and can be made to the Department of Children and Youth. This bill also prevents healthy students from being excluded, provided they have a proper exemption.
The Parental C.H.O.I.C.E. Act awaits a House committee assignment.
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