For nearly ten years, TFVC has fought to make the vaccine exemption process more streamlined and parent-friendly. In the 89th Legislative Session, our work paid off with the passage of HB 1586 (Hull/Kolkhorst), which requires the Department of State Health Services to develop a blank affidavit form that can be printed at home. This change will finally put the power in Texas parents’ hands!
In addition to the battle for printable exemptions, TFVC and lawmakers fought valiantly to protect college students enrolling in coursework in the healthcare and veterinary fields. Current DSHS rules do not permit these particular students to exempt themselves from required vaccinations, but this conflicts with actual Texas law.
We are thrilled to report that the Department of State Health Services is finally adopting rules that would not only address the new printable exemption law, but also come into alignment with statute protecting healthcare and veterinary college students!
Their proposed rule change to 25 TAC 97.62, included here, significantly updates agency rules to provide blank affidavit forms that can be printed without having to provide any identifying personal information and specifies that Texans enrolling in public pre-K through 12th grade programs, as well as childcare facilities and all colleges and universities including medical and veterinary programs, have a right to use these affidavits to exempt themselves from required vaccines.
PUBLIC COMMENTS ABOUT THESE CHANGES ARE BEING ACCEPTED NOW THROUGH JULY 18!
Make your voice heard by emailing DSHS today in support of these changes!
EMAIL: [email protected]
SUBJECT: Comments on Proposed Rule 25R041
SAMPLE EMAIL MESSAGE:
To Whom It May Concern,
Thank you for quickly proposing rules changes to provide a blank Reasons of Conscience Affidavit on the agency website in order to comply with recently-passed HB 1586.
I would also like to thank DSHS for bringing agency rules into alignment with Texas Education Code 51.933 by specifying that veterinary and medical school students can utilize this affidavit to exempt themselves from required vaccines.
I fully support this new language and look forward to its adoption.
Thank you,
[YOUR NAME]
