Logan Reed
Alabama has passed a bill expanding the pool of people who can claim a religious exemption from vaccines. The bill, SB 85, allows people to claim a religious exemption without explanation and extends the existing religious exemption requirements from parents of K-12 students to college students. While some argue that this bill is about parental rights, others are concerned about its potential impact on public health and the spread of disease. This comes amid a slight decrease in vaccination rates for kindergartners in Alabama and a rise in exemptions from one or more vaccines for this age group.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Religious exemption for vaccines | Allowed |
| Religious exemption for school vaccinations | Allowed |
| Certificate of Religious Exemption | Issued by a county health department |
| Religious exemption requirements | Extended from parents of K-12 students to college students |
| Religious exemption without explanation | Allowed |
| Alabama Senate bill | Passed in April 2024 and March 2025 |
| Alabama Senate bill sponsor | Sen. Arthur Orr, R-Decatur |
| Alabama Senate bill vote | 26-5 |
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What You'll Learn
- Alabama Senate passes a bill expanding religious exemptions from vaccines
- Alabama Senate committee approves bill relaxing the process for K-12 students
- Alabama vaccine exemptions: parental rights vs public health concerns
- Alabama's religious exemption requirements extended to college students
- Alabama's vaccination rates and concerns about disease outbreaks
Alabama Senate passes a bill expanding religious exemptions from vaccines
On April 4, 2025, the Alabama Senate passed a bill (SB 85) expanding the pool of people who can claim a religious exemption from vaccines. Sponsored by Sen. Arthur Orr, R-Decatur, the bill extends the existing religious exemption requirements from parents of K-12 students to college students. It passed with a vote of 26-5.
Previously, religious exemptions were only available to kindergarten through 12th-grade students and not to college students or institutions of higher learning. The new bill mandates that public colleges and universities provide both religious and medical exemptions if they require students to be vaccinated or tested for diseases.
Under the new bill, individuals will not be required to provide or explain the reason for their religious exemption or have it certified or approved by local school boards. Sen. Arthur Orr stated that the current system creates unnecessary hurdles and potential costs for parents exercising their religious beliefs, and that roughly half the states allow a similar exemption process.
However, several senators raised concerns about public health and the potential spread of disease. Sen. Merika Coleman, D-Birmingham, expressed worry about removing the Alabama Department of Public Health's role in tracking exemptions, stating that health departments would be less equipped to trace a potential virus during outbreaks.
Additionally, Senate Minority Leader Bobby Singleton, D-Greensboro, proposed an amendment requiring individuals claiming a vaccine exemption to submit a board-approved physical evaluation form or the Alabama High School Athletic Association's Preparticipation Physical Education form. The amendment was approved 21-7, with Singleton noting that it would provide an understanding of whether the child has received medical attention within the last 12 months before opting out of a particular vaccine.
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Alabama Senate committee approves bill relaxing the process for K-12 students
In Alabama, a religious exemption from vaccination can be obtained by submitting a written objection to the county health department. The parent or legal guardian must also be educated on the consequences of not vaccinating their child.
On March 12, 2025, an Alabama Senate committee approved a bill that would relax the process for K-12 students to be exempt from vaccinations due to religious reasons. The bill, known as Senate Bill 85, removes the requirement for parents to obtain a Certificate of Religious Exemption from the county health department. Instead, students would only need to provide a written statement declaring their wish to be exempt from vaccine and testing requirements due to religious reasons.
The bill also adds exemptions for public institutions of higher education, which are currently not included in the religious exemption law. Sen. Arthur Orr, the sponsor of the bill, argued that the current system creates unnecessary hurdles and potential costs for parents wishing to exercise their religious beliefs. He stated that many other states have a similar exemption process and that parents should not be subjected to an "inquisition" by public health workers.
However, some organizations, such as VOICES for Alabama's Children, have expressed concern over the potential impact of the bill on the state's children, especially those who are immunocompromised or too young to be vaccinated. They argue that changing the exemption process could hinder the ability to identify and respond to outbreaks of highly contagious diseases.
It is worth noting that, as of April 2025, the Alabama Senate has also approved bills related to other aspects of K-12 education. One such bill, known as HB 188, creates a uniform suspension and expulsion process for public K-12 students, ensuring due process in the school disciplinary system. Another bill, SB 305, aims to revamp the way the state funds public K-12 schools by establishing the Renewing Alabama's Investment in Student Excellence (RAISE) program, which seeks to provide more resources to students with greater needs.
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Alabama vaccine exemptions: parental rights vs public health concerns
Alabama has seen a push for greater religious exemptions for vaccines, with state senators approving bills to expand these exemptions. This has sparked a debate between those who advocate for parental rights and those concerned about the potential impact on public health.
Parental rights and religious freedom
Senators such as Arthur Orr have argued that the government should not stand in the way of parents and their religious beliefs when it comes to vaccinations. He has introduced bills, such as SB 85, which aim to make it easier for parents to obtain religious exemptions without having to explain their beliefs or receive approval from local school boards. Orr contends that the current system creates unnecessary hurdles and potential costs for parents. He believes that if there is a religious exemption, parents should not have to explain their religious beliefs.
Public health concerns
On the other hand, Democrats and public health advocates have raised concerns about the potential impact of these bills on public health. They worry that expanding religious exemptions will lead to a decrease in vaccination rates, making it challenging to achieve herd immunity. For example, the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccination rate in Alabama fell below 94% in 2022-23, while the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends a 95% vaccination rate for herd immunity. Senators like Merika Coleman (D-Birmingham) have expressed fears that removing the Alabama Department of Public Health's role in tracking exemptions will hinder their ability to trace potential virus outbreaks. They argue that while respecting parental rights is essential, it should not come at the expense of endangering people's lives and public health.
Balancing act
The debate in Alabama highlights the delicate balance between upholding parental rights and religious freedom while also ensuring the well-being of the broader community. As vaccination rates continue to be a focus of public health efforts, policymakers must carefully consider the potential consequences of expanding or restricting religious exemptions. Finding a compromise that respects individual rights and protects public health remains a challenging but crucial task.
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Alabama's religious exemption requirements extended to college students
Alabama has expanded its pool of people eligible for religious exemptions from vaccines, and this now includes college students. The bill, SB 85, was sponsored by Sen. Arthur Orr, R-Decatur, and extends the existing religious exemption requirements from parents of K-12 students to college students. The bill passed with a vote of 26-5.
Previously, religious exemptions were only available to kindergarten through 12th-grade students and not to institutions of higher learning. Now, public colleges and universities in Alabama must provide both religious and medical exemptions if they require students to be vaccinated or tested for diseases. This means that students or their guardians can claim a religious vaccine exemption without providing an explanation or having it certified or approved by local school boards.
Sen. Arthur Orr stated that the current system created unnecessary hurdles and potential costs for parents exercising their religious beliefs. He argued that "if we're going to have a religious exemption, we ought to have a religious exemption" and that parents shouldn't have to explain their religious beliefs when it comes to vaccinations. However, some senators raised concerns about public health and the potential spread of disease, as vaccination rates in Alabama have been declining.
It's important to note that Alabama state officials still encourage certain vaccines, such as COVID-19 vaccines for pregnant women, and work towards increasing immunization rates and reducing vaccine-preventable diseases.
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Alabama's vaccination rates and concerns about disease outbreaks
Alabama has seen a decline in vaccination rates, with the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccination rate dropping to just under 94% in 2022-2023, down from 95% in 2021-2022. This drop in vaccination rates has raised concerns about potential disease outbreaks. In August 2025, Alabama reported its first case of measles since 2002 in an unvaccinated child under 5 years of age. The Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) encouraged MMR vaccination, emphasizing its effectiveness in preventing measles, which has a 99% prevention rate after the second vaccination.
The state has also seen a rise in cases of pertussis (whooping cough), with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reporting a significant increase across the United States. While there is no specific data on Alabama's pertussis cases, the state has a history of coordinating responses to outbreaks, which can lead to increased vaccination rates. Additionally, the state has been dealing with a Hepatitis A outbreak, which has raised alarms among local health officials.
To address the declining vaccination rates and prevent disease outbreaks, the Alabama Senate has passed bills to expand religious exemptions from vaccines. The bills aim to make it easier for individuals to claim religious exemptions without providing explanations or certifications. However, these bills have faced opposition from some senators, who express concern about the potential impact on public health and the ability to track and manage outbreaks.
Alabama's vaccination rates and exemption policies have direct implications for the health and safety of its residents. While personal beliefs and religious freedoms are important, the state must also consider the potential consequences of low vaccination rates, which can leave communities vulnerable to disease outbreaks. Balancing individual rights and public health needs is a complex issue that Alabama, like many other states, is navigating.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Alabama has a religious exemption for vaccines.
A Certificate of Religious Exemption can be issued by a county health department. A parent or legal guardian must submit a written objection and receive education on the consequences of not vaccinating their child.
No, you do not need to explain the reason for the exemption or have it certified or approved by local school boards.
There are concerns about the impact of the bill on public health, as it may lead to a decrease in vaccination rates and potentially increase the spread of communicable diseases.
