Text to be removed highlighted in red.
1 New Paragraph; Notice of Medical and Religious Exemptions. Amend RSA 141-C by inserting after section 20-f the following new section:
141-C:20-g Notice of Medical and Religious Exemptions.
I. Any communication, publication, posting, advertisement, website, social media post, printed material, or other location where the department of health and human services promotes vaccination or immunization shall prominently display, "MEDICAL AND RELIGIOUS EXEMPTIONS ARE AVAILABLE UNDER NEW HAMPSHIRE LAW" in bold, clearly noticeable, starred print on the front or top portion of the material.
II. This notice shall be at least as prominent as the main headline or promotional text regarding the vaccination or immunization and shall not be placed solely in footnotes, disclaimers, or links.
III. The department of health and human services shall adopt rules under RSA 541-A to implement this section.
2 New Paragraph; Immunization Required for School Attendance; Grounds and Procedure for Exemption. Amend RSA 141-C:20-c, II to read as follows:
II. A parent or legal guardian objects to immunization because of religious beliefs. The parent or legal guardian shall sign a form stating that the child has not been immunized because of religious beliefs .
3 Penalty. Amend RSA 141-C:21 to read as follows:
141-C:21 Penalty.
Any person who shall violate, disobey, refuse, omit or neglect to comply with any of the provisions of RSA 141-C, or of the rules adopted pursuant to it, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor if a natural person, or guilty of a felony if any other person.
4 Effective Date. This act shall take effect 30 days after its passage.
Text to be added highlighted in green.
1 New Paragraph; Notice of Medical and Religious Exemptions. Amend RSA 141-C by inserting after section 20-f the following new section:
141-C:20-g Notice of Medical and Religious Exemptions.
I. Any communication, publication, posting, advertisement, website, social media post, printed material, or other location where the department of health and human services promotes vaccination or immunization shall prominently display, "MEDICAL AND RELIGIOUS EXEMPTIONS ARE AVAILABLE UNDER NEW HAMPSHIRE LAW" in bold, clearly noticeable, starred print on the front or top portion of the material.
II. This notice shall be at least as prominent as the main headline or promotional text regarding the vaccination or immunization and shall not be placed solely in footnotes, disclaimers, or links.
III. The department of health and human services shall adopt rules under RSA 541-A to implement this section.
2 New Paragraph; Immunization Required for School Attendance; Grounds and Procedure for Exemption. Amend RSA 141-C:20-c, II to read as follows:
II. A parent or legal guardian objects to immunization because of religious beliefs. The parent or legal guardian shall sign a form stating that the child has not been immunized because of religious beliefs ; provided however, the parent or legal guardian shall not be required to use or sign any specific form provided or posted by the department of health and human services and may instead provide any written signed statement attesting to the religious objection .
3 Penalty. Amend RSA 141-C:21 to read as follows:
141-C:21 Penalty.
I. Any person who shall violate, disobey, refuse, omit or neglect to comply with any of the provisions of RSA 141-C, or of the rules adopted pursuant to it, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor if a natural person, or guilty of a felony if any other person.
II. Any officer, employee, or agent of the department of health and human services who authorizes, approves, or distributes promotional material regarding vaccination or immunization in violation of RSA 141-C:20-g shall be reported to the commissioner of the department of health and human services, who shall ensure appropriate disciplinary or corrective action under RSA 21-I and any applicable personnel rules.
4 Effective Date. This act shall take effect 30 days after its passage.