A Washington state House committee passed a bill Friday that would ban personal vaccine exemptions for measles, mumps and rubella in school children.
The House Bill 1638 received nine Democrat votes, but only one Republican vote, which was enough to move it through the Health Care and Wellness Committee.
Rep. Joe Schmick, R-Colfax, said that he believes vaccines work, however, he also said parents should have the right to decide. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. gave testimony at last week’s emotional public hearing.
House Bill 1638 now heads to the House Rules Committee where Rep. Paul Harris of Vancouver, Clark County, believes it will be voted on by full chamber in expedited fashion.
“I’m confident we can do something to make sure that we are keeping our communities safe,” said Rep. Monica Stonier, D-Vancouver.
Washington Gov. Jay Inslee declared a measles state of emergency two weeks ago. Although, measles cases, which stand at 54, are slowing down. There are no reported deaths.
Be the first to comment on "Washington Moves To Ban Personal Vaccine Exemptions"