Texas lawmakers ease vaccine exemption process amid outbreak concerns
Texas has passed a bill, HB 1586, making it easier for parents to exempt their children from vaccinations required for school attendance by allowing online forms, amidst a significant measles outbreak with 729 cases and two child deaths. The bill, supported by Republicans for efficiency and cost-saving reasons, faces opposition from Democrats who warn it could weaken herd immunity during the ongoing outbreak. It awaits governor Greg Abbott's signature to become law starting the 2025-2026 school year.