This school year in Louisiana two new laws are in effect which emphasize a parent’s existing right to have their child opt out of vaccine requirements. House Bill 47 became Act 675 with the signature from Governor Jeff Landry on June 19. It became effective August 1, 2024. House Bill 46 Became Act 674, which prevents schools from requiring COVID vaccinations. This law also takes effect August 1.
Louisiana state Representative Kathy Edmonston, R-Gonzales, authored the legislation. “The problem is, a lot of schools didn’t know about it until the 1st of August, and they started sending out some of their information. So this interview is really timely. I hope your listeners will spread word that as of August 1st there is no mandate.”
As reported by the Louisiana Radio Network, two similar bills that Edmonston authored last year were vetoed by then- Governor John Bel Edwards. In his veto message, Gov. Edwards said the legislation was a “covert attempt to undermine the faith of the public in vaccines.”
These new laws, approved in 2024, pertain to public and private schools. Edmonston says now when schools send out information about required immunizations: “You also put a little, part of the law in there, that says you have the ability to opt your child out.” Edmonston says if parents have any issues opting out with their child’s school, call the Department of Education or her office. “We have a letter that we will send out to them letting them know what the statue is and when it went into effect and hopefully, they’ll correct it.”
The new laws have caused concern among some doctors and health officials, fearing the surge in vaccine exemptions will result in more disease and death. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 4 million deaths worldwide are prevented by child vaccination every year. Yet, the CDC reports that child vaccine exemptions have increased in 41 states which include Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas and Oklahoma.
