House Bill 24 would allow written declarations instead of health department approval
By SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS
MONTGOMERY, Ala. — A prefiled bill for the 2026 Alabama Legislative Session would make it easier for parents and students to opt out of vaccination and testing requirements on religious grounds.
House Bill 24, introduced by Rep. Mack Butler, R-Rainbow City, seeks to amend Section 16-30-3 of the Code of Alabama. The measure, called the Alabama Vaccination Exemption Bill, states that a written declaration by a parent or guardian would be sufficient documentation to exempt a child from a vaccine or testing requirement. The proposal also applies to public colleges and universities, allowing students or their parents to submit written declarations.
Currently, families must obtain exemption certificates through county health departments, where officials provide counseling on the risks of non-vaccination. HB24 would remove those requirements, eliminating the need for explanations, third-party certification, or approval from local school boards.
Background and Legislative History
This issue has been debated before. In 2025, Sen. Arthur Orr, R-Decatur, carried Senate Bill 85 with nearly identical language. That measure passed the Senate by a 26–5 vote and cleared the House Health Committee but stalled before reaching a final vote after an amendment requiring additional paperwork drew criticism. Butler sponsored the House version last year and is renewing the effort for 2026.
Support and Opposition
Supporters of the bill say it protects religious liberty and parental rights, arguing that families should not face bureaucratic hurdles to exercise faith-based exemptions.
Opponents warn the change could lower vaccination rates across Alabama, which already lags behind national averages. Public health advocates say weakening safeguards increases risks of preventable disease outbreaks in schools and on college campuses.
Next Steps
The bill is expected to generate significant debate when lawmakers reconvene in Montgomery. If enacted, HB24 would broaden access to exemptions, potentially reshaping vaccination policy for students across the state.