HB503 Summary

• Amends Section 16-30-3 of the Code of Alabama to allow parents or guardians to exempt K-12 students from vaccination or testing requirements based on written declaration alone, without requirement to explain reasons or obtain approval from school boards.

• Requires public institutions of higher education to offer both religious and medical exemptions to any vaccine or testing requirements imposed as conditions for enrollment or attendance.

• Permits higher education students to claim religious exemptions by submitting a written statement declaring the vaccination or testing conflicts with their religious tenets and practices, without needing to explain, justify, or obtain third-party approval.

• Allows higher education students to claim medical exemptions by submitting written certification from a competent medical authority stating they are exempt from required vaccination or testing.

• Becomes effective October 1, 2025.