Bill axes ‘belief ’ exemption to school COVID-19 vaccination

LOS ANGELES (AP) — California legislation proposed Monday, would eliminate a personal belief exemption in school-based COVID-19 vaccination requirements.

Sen. Richard Pan introduced the Keep Schools Open and Safe Act during a news conference at a Los Angeles school.

Pan, a pediatrician, said the law is needed to ensure that children are educated.

“Families across the state and country have faced disruption, anxiety and trauma from this pandemic for now almost two years. Confidence and certainty are things we all long for,” said Pan, a Democrat who represents a Sacramento-area district.

The legislation would build on a 2015 law that eliminated the personal belief exemption for all other childhood vaccinations required for schoolchildren.

Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom, in October, announced the nation’s first Coronavirus vaccine mandate for schoolchildren. But it likely won’t take effect until later this year and allows exemptions for medical reasons and personal beliefs.

According to Pan, only the Legislature may remove the personal belief exemption.

Assemblyman James Gallagher immediately announced he will oppose Pan’s bill.