SB85 Summary

• Amends Section 16-30-3, Code of Alabama 1975 to remove the "epidemic or immediate threat" condition for religious vaccine exemptions in K-12 public schools, allowing parents to object based on religious tenets without additional restrictions.

• Requires written statements from parents attesting to sincerely held religious beliefs to be recognized as valid grounds for vaccine or testing exemptions in public K-12 schools with no additional forms, fees, documentation, or third-party certification required.

• Mandates public institutions of higher education provide both religious and medical exemptions to vaccine and testing requirements for student enrollment or attendance.

• Religious exemptions for higher education students require a written statement with a physical evaluation form completed within the previous 12 months, with no additional forms, fees, or documentation permitted.

• Medical exemptions for higher education students require a written statement from a competent medical authority certifying exemption from required vaccination or testing.

• Effective date: October 1, 2025.