Senator Margie Bright Matthews response to Attorney General Alan Wilson Regarding Introduction Of Bill to Strengthen MMR Vaccination Standards for Schools and Colleges Amid Growing Measles Outbreak:
"My bill is about protecting children and communities during a serious measles outbreak, not limiting religious freedom. Measles is highly contagious and can lead to severe complications, hospitalizations, and school closures. Updating immunization standards for school attendance is a long-standing public health practice designed to keep students safe and classrooms open.
This legislation preserves medical exemptions while ensuring we act responsibly to prevent avoidable spread among children and vulnerable populations. Protecting public health and protecting education are core responsibilities of the state government; that is exactly what this legislation will do."