West Virginia House Rejects Vaccine Exemption Bill

The West Virginia House of Delegates voted against Senate Bill 460, which would have allowed families to claim religious exemptions from school vaccination requirements, with a final tally of 42 to 56. The bill faced significant debate and was seen as a priority for Governor Patrick Morrisey, who had issued an executive order mandating religious exemptions shortly after taking office. Proponents argued that the legislation respected personal beliefs, while opponents, including the state Democratic Party, called it a dangerous move that jeopardizes public health. The bill's rejection highlights a division in the legislature regarding vaccination policies, especially with the ongoing concerns about public health. Following the vote, calls for Morrisey to rescind his executive order were made, emphasizing the need for prioritizing community health over political agendas. The outcome reflects a broader ongoing debate about vaccine mandates in the state.