© 2024 KLCC

KLCC
136 W 8th Ave
Eugene OR 97401
541-463-6000
klcc@klcc.org

Contact Us

FCC Applications
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Vaccine Bill Set For Monday Vote In Oregon House

Rachael McDonald
/
KLCC

Members of the Oregon House will vote on Monday on a bill that would end non-medical vaccine exemptions for Oregon school students.

House Bill 3063 has generated thousands of emails to lawmakers, multiple protests in front of the capitol, and emotional pleas for and against its passage during public hearings. The measure would remove the ability for parents to claim a religious or philosophical exemption for getting their children vaccinated. A doctor-approved medical exemption would still be possible.

The vaccines are a requirement for children enrolled in public or private schools in Oregon. Homeschooled students are not subject to the law.

Supporters of the measure cite the recent increase in measles cases in the U.S., including an outbreak this year in southwest Washington. Opponents say it largely takes the decision to vaccinate out of the hands of parents.

The vote in the Oregon House is expected to be close. If approved, the bill would head to the Senate.

Chris Lehman has been reporting on Oregon issues since 2006. He joined the KLCC news department in December 2018 and became News Director in March 2023. Chris was born and raised in Pennsylvania, and graduated from Temple University with a degree in journalism. His public broadcasting career includes stops in Louisiana and Illinois. Chris has filed for national programs including “Morning Edition” and “All Things Considered.”
Related Content