The Texas Senate has approved a bill that makes it easier for parents to opt their children out of school-required vaccinations, sending the measure to Governor Greg Abbott’s desk. The House Bill 1586 would allow parents to download an exemption form at home, rather than having it mailed by the state.
Proponents of the bill, including Texans for Vaccine Choice and Texans for Medical Freedom, argue that it simplifies the process and respects parental rights. “This common sense legislation will allow Texas parents to conveniently print vaccine exemption forms from home,” said Rebecca Hardy, president of Texans for Vaccine Choice.
However, critics, such as The Immunization Partnership, warn that making the exemption form easier to access could lead to a drop in vaccination rates, potentially resulting in more measles outbreaks. “It is disheartening that lawmakers are ignoring the near epidemic of measles and think this won’t encourage more disease outbreaks,” said Terri Burke, executive director of The Immunization Partnership.
The bill’s supporters argue that it does not change the childhood vaccine schedule and that parents will still be responsible for making medical decisions for their children. Governor Abbott must now decide whether to turn the bill into law.
Source: https://www.texastribune.org/2025/05/25/texas-vaccine-form-download