Alabama Legislative Council Proposal on Vaccination Exemptions

The proposed assumptions bill for the Alabama Legislative Council in 2026 aims to simplify the process for parents wishing to exempt their children from vaccination or testing requirements based on religious beliefs.

Filed as House Bill 24 by Mac Butler, a Republican from Rainbow City, the bill seeks to amend section 16-30-3 of the Alabama Code. It states that “A written declaration by a child’s parent or guardian must be sufficiently written to exempt the child from a vaccine or testing requirement for religious reasons.” Current co-sponsors include Ben Harrison, a representative from Elkmont, and Mark Gidley from Hokes Bluff.

This legislation, known as the Alabama vaccination exemption bill, would apply not only to K-12 public schools but also to public universities.

According to the proposed modification, “Students registered with public institutions of higher education may be exempt from vaccine or testing requirements for medical or religious reasons at the time of written declaration by the student or, if the student is a minor, by their parents or guardians.”

Notably, parents or guardians would not be required to give specific reasons for the exemption, nor would they need recognition or approval from the local school board or other entities.

This isn’t the first instance of lawmakers exploring changes in this area. During the 2025 session, Senator R-Decatur introduced Senate Bill 85, which had nearly identical language. The bill was approved by the Senate with a vote of 26-5 and passed the House Health Committee but stalled before a final vote due to an amendment added to require physical documentation, which some supporters believed undermined the bill’s purpose.

Butler carried the companion bill to the House during the final legislative meeting. By removing the need for supporting documents beyond signed statements, HB24 could significantly lower the bar for obtaining religious exemptions, potentially increasing the number of unvaccinated students in both K-12 and higher education.

Proponents of the bill frame similar proposals as vital for protecting religious freedom and parental rights, while critics warn that such measures could compromise public health and elevate the risk of disease outbreaks in schools and universities.