CHARLESTON, WV (LOOTPRESS) – The West Virginia State Senate has passed legislation that would allow religious and philosophical exemptions to vaccine requirements for students in public and private schools.
Senate Bill 460 was approved in a 20-12 vote on Friday morning.
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If enacted, the bill would permit parents and guardians to opt out of the state’s mandatory immunization program by citing religious or philosophical objections.
The proposal faced significant debate both in committee and on the Senate floor. During the bill’s second reading, multiple amendments were introduced but ultimately failed. Among them was an amendment from Senate Minority Leader Mike Woelfel (D-Cabell) that sought to require the polio vaccine without exemptions.
The legislation now advances to the House of Delegates for further consideration.
