Texas bill could hand vaccine decisions in schools over to lawmakers
A bill going through the Texas legislature could hand decisions about vaccines over to lawmakers, limiting influence from schools and health departments. A bill described as "anti- vaccine " is moving through the Texas legislature and could give lawmakers the power to make decisions about vaccine s in schools rather than doctors or administrators. SB 1024, which was recently passed by a Senate committee -- and will soon be voted on by the Texas Senate and the House -- could limit schools and local health departments from being able to require or recommend immunizations. While the proposed legislation mainly focuses on ending COVID-19 restrictions and barring COVID-19 vaccine requirements, public health experts say it could have implications for any kind of vaccine. MORE: New York City to end COVID vaccine mandate for city workers The bill states "every child shall be immunized against diphtheria, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, measles, meningococcal disease, mumps, pertuss...