A bill headed to Florida's special session would give parents more options when it comes to required school vaccines. Senator Clay Yarborough plans to file legislation that would expand exemptions to include personal reasons, among other provisions.
Large wildfires near Clay-Putnam County line counties burning miles apart, voluntary evacuations underwayLarge wildfires near Clay-Putnam County line counties burning miles apart, voluntary evacuations underwayFire Weather Watch issued as drought worsens across our areaFamily searching for missing Jacksonville man last seen near I-95, Airport Road– A Florida state senator plans to file legislation during special session that would allow parents to claim a “conscience exemption,” or personal reasons, to opt their children out of required school vaccines.
Senator Clay Yarborough will file legislation identical to Senate Bill 1756, known as the Medical Freedom Act, when special session begins April 28. The original bill passed the Senate but died in the House.Currently, Florida parents can exempt their children from school-required vaccines for religious or medical reasons. The Medical Freedom Act would expand those exemptions to include personal or moral reasons. The bill would also authorize the sale of ivermectin without a prescription as a behind-the-counter medication, require that parents be provided with specific materials before a vaccine can be administered and when applying for an exemption, and make Florida’s existing ban on discrimination based on a person’s mRNA vaccination status permanent.“I think a lot of moms in particular, you know, they just want to know that they’re doing this stuff eyes wide open and then they’re not being forced or coerced into doing something without having, especially without having all the facts,” DeSantis said.Raines Carr, a teacher and parent, said he supports personal decision-making but expressed concern about the broader public health implications of a conscience exemption in a shared space like a public school. “I think you just need to be very careful when it’s a public situation, that we all need to adhere to certain rules as just a public space, like a public school would be,” Carr said. Kenadi Hancock said she supports the expansion because she wants more time to evaluate vaccines being given to her daughter. “Give parents more time to decide on if that’s what they want for their child or not. But at the same time, I do know some vaccines are proactive and they do keep kids safe,” Hancock said. “So in a sense, I’m really like still doing my own research on that.”Yarborough was not available for an interview but responded by text message.Ariel Schiller joined the News4Jax team as an evening reporter in September of 2023. She comes to Jacksonville from Tallahassee where she worked at ABC27 as a Weekend Anchor/Reporter for 10 months.Before joining the “night beat” at WJXT in 2024, Walter spent 10 years in Miami at WSVN and CBS Miami. Walter first picked up a camera in 1998 in Charleston, SC. In his off time, Walter loves playing sports and spending time with his family.Mother demands safety changes after she says teen son was jumped, robbed at Westside park1 year after FSU shooting, records reveal suspect’s ChatGPT messages as victims are honoredBradford County commissioners postpone decision on potential ICE detention centerMan arrested in connection with fatal shooting at Circle K off Square Lake BoulevardScore a free Jumbo Shrimp replica jersey on April 18Man fatally shot at Circle K off Square Lake Boulevard on Jacksonville's SouthsideRiver City Science Academy teacher accused of ‘grooming’ student using messages on Canva appState approves $3 million for Northwest Jacksonville programs for small businesses, crime preventionA new housing development is coming to Jacksonville’s Northbank, but how affordable will it be?The Raines 4x400 relay team breaks a school record 👟💨Former dance company CEO still faces sexual battery charge after one count dropped
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