The legislative action comes as Washington battles a severe measles outbreak. As of Feb. 14, the Washington State Department of Health has confirmed 54 measles cases. Democratic Gov. Jay Inslee declared a state of emergency over the outbreak Jan. 25.
The bill would no longer allow residents to claim personal vaccine exemptions, which is the No. 1 exemption used by kids in schools, according to state Rep. Paul Harris, R-Vancouver. Medical and religious exemptions would still be permitted.
“If individuals had been vaccinated, we wouldn’t be facing what we’re facing today,” Mr. Harris told WBUR.
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