Connecticut lawmakers pass bill ending religious vaccine exemption
The Connecticut House of Representatives passed a contentious bill early Tuesday that would end the state’s long-standing religious exemption from immunization requirements for schools, beginning with the 2022 school year.
The 90-53 vote in the Democratic-controlled chamber came just before 3 a.m. after more than 16 hours of debate. The bill now heads to the Senate, which is also controlled by Democrats.
About a half-hour before approving the legislation, lawmakers passed an amendment that would allow students who are now exempt from immunizations because of religious reasons to continue to be exempt.