Amid Measles outbreak, Senate moves to expand vaccine exemptions

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WINK)- As measles cases climb across Florida, state lawmakers are moving forward with a bill that would weaken vaccine requirements for children.

On Tuesday, Senate Bill 1756 cleared its second Senate committee stop. The proposal would allow parents to opt their children out of required vaccinations at any time and for any reason.

Currently, Florida permits exemptions for religious reasons. The new legislation would create what is being called a “conscience-based” exemption — broadening the ability for parents to decline immunizations.

The debate comes amid a measles outbreak in Southwest Florida.

Earlier this month, officials confirmed more than 60 measles cases at Ave Maria University in Collier County. This week, Naples Classical Academy said an adult visitor who later tested positive for measles was on campus on Feb. 10.

The bill is prompting debate across party lines.

During a committee hearing Tuesday, Sen. Gayle Harrell, a Republican representing Martin County, called the proposal “dangerous.” She warned that weakening vaccine requirements could lead to more outbreaks.

“In the last 45 days, senators, we’ve had 92 cases of measles in the state of Florida, in 45 days,” Harrell said. “This is more than we’ve ever had in that short a period of time, because we’re lacking herd immunity.”

Harrell said maintaining herd immunity requires about 95% of children to be vaccinated.

Dozens of parents, doctors and health professionals traveled to Tallahassee to speak both for and against the bill.

Leah Lacey, a mother who testified in support of the legislation, told lawmakers she believes her daughter experienced severe health issues following routine vaccinations.

“After her third round of vaccines, Lily began vomiting and had a fever,” Lacey said. “She stopped making eye contact. She was gone.”

Lacey said her daughter is now 14 years old, profoundly disabled, nonverbal and requires full-time care.

Supporters of the bill argue parents should have more control over medical decisions for their children. Opponents say expanding exemptions could lower vaccination rates and increase the risk of preventable disease outbreaks.

The push to change Florida’s vaccine laws has been championed in large part by Florida Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo. At a rally last year, Ladapo said he wanted to end vaccine mandates and compared mandates to “slavery.”

The bill must still pass the full Senate. A companion bill in the House has not yet been heard.