AL HB444

Requires religiously-affiliated private schools and church schools to accept religious exemptions if they impose vaccine or disease testing requirements as a condition of enrollment or attendance.

Allows parents or guardians to submit a written statement declaring the exemption based on religious tenets and practices, without requiring explanation, third-party certification, or approval from the school or any other entity.

Schools that violate the religious exemption requirement become subject to corporate income tax and ad valorem tax and lose eligibility for tax exemptions under Sections 40-18-32 and 40-9-1 of the Alabama Code.

Non-compliant schools are ineligible to participate in or receive funding from the CHOOSE Act (Act 2024-21), which provides education service provider funding.

Effective date: October 1, 2025.