Arizona voters may decide to end school vaccine mandates

Arizona voters may be asked next November whether they want to get rid of school vaccine requirements.

House Concurrent Resolution 2056 would amend the state Constitution, halting government entities, including schools, from requiring vaccines “as a condition of employment, education, access to public facilities, participation in services or the exercise of any right, privilege or benefit.”

The Republican-majority state House and Senate are expected to pass the measure, as it is likely to appear as a proposition on the November 3 general election ballot. Governor Katie Hobbs does not have veto power to prevent the Legislature from sending the statewide ballot to voters.

Many supporters clarified that they are not against vaccines necessarily but instead oppose mandates, and those who oppose the measure say the wording is confusing, as it doesn’t mention vaccines. Opponents claim this could confuse parents who may not realize the consequences of the act’s passing.

Will Humble, executive director at the Arizona Public Health Association, joined “Arizona Horizon” to discuss more about what this means for the future of schools and health.