West Virginia House rejects vaccine exemption bill, a priority for Morrisey
The House of Delegates rejected a bill that would have allowed religious exemptions for West Virginia's school vaccination laws on Monday, March 24, 2025. (Pedro Vilela | Getty Images)
The House of Delegates on Monday rejected a bill that would have allowed religious exemptions for West Virginia's school vaccination laws.
Delegates voted 42 to 56 against Senate Bill 460. The legislation would have allowed families who object to vaccinations on religious grounds to submit a written statement to their school administrator. It would have allowed the state's private and parochial schools to set their own requirements for vaccines.
Gov. Patrick Morrisey mandated that the state allow religious exemptions for the vaccines on his second day in office.
During a two-hour debate Monday, several delegates spoke in favor or against the legislation.
In a statement following the vote, the state Democratic Party called on Morrisey to rescind the order.
'Today's vote was a victory for common sense, public health, and bipartisan cooperation,' Del. Mike Pushkin, D-Kanawha, said in the statement. 'Gov. Morrissey must now immediately rescind his ill-advised, dangerous, and deadly executive order, respecting the clear voice of our constituents. This administration cannot continue to put political pandering ahead of the health and safety of West Virginia families.'
Morrisey's office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
This is a breaking news story and will be updated.
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