SENATE BILL NO. 629

A bill to require that certain medical and nonmedical exemptions to immunization be recognized by public and private colleges and universities in this state that require student immunization as a condition to certain services, programs, and facilities offered by those colleges and universities; and to provide for the powers and duties of certain state and local governmental officers and entities.

the people of the state of michigan enact:

Sec. 1. This act may be cited as the "immunization in higher education act".

Sec. 2. As used in this act:

(a) "Immunizing agent" means that term as defined in section 9201 of the public health code, 1978 PA 368, MCL 333.9201.

(b) "Institution of higher education" means a degree- or certificate-granting public or private college or university, junior college, or community college.

Sec. 3. An institution of higher education shall not require students to be treated with any immunizing agent as a prerequisite for enrollment, moving into or residing in housing offered by the institution, or attending in-person instruction, unless that institution recognizes the following exemptions:

(a) That a student is exempt from any such requirement as to a specific immunization for any period of time as to which a physician certifies that the specific immunization is or may be detrimental to the student's health or is not appropriate.

(b) That a student is exempt from any such requirement as to a specific immunization if the student cannot be treated with the immunizing agent because of religious convictions or other objection to that immunization or immunizations generally. An institution of higher education may require that a claim of exemption under this subdivision be made on a waiver form provided by the institution. An institution's waiver form must include a concise explanation, approved by the department of health and human services, of the risks of not receiving the immunization being waived and the benefits of the immunization to the individual and community.

Enacting section 1. This act takes effect 30 days after the date it is enacted into law.