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.

“It’d be a Constitutional amendment…that’s practically impossible to change,” Humble said, “…it’s framed as medical freedom…if you read the language in the statute, it never mentions vaccines.”

Humble explained how vital it is to be transparent with voters, as the language in the statute only discusses medical freedom. He is concerned that people will vote yes on something very vague, without realizing the true consequences.

“They are purposely misleading the voter into thinking they’re voting for medical freedom,” Humble explained, “…when in reality they’re taking away public health tools, and by design lowering the immunization rates, which makes these disease transmissions more likely.”

Humble emphasized how crucial it is for voters to be aware of what this change is before voting on it, as it would amend the Constitution.