Alabama lawmakers voted on Thursday to pass legislation that would broaden vaccine and testing exemptions for both K-12 and college students and change how public education institutions handle immunization requirements.

SB85, sponsored by State Sen. Arthur Orr (R-Decatur) and State Sen. Donnie Chesteen (R-Geneva), passed 26-5 along party lines following a prolonged filibuster by Democrats.

The bill would amend existing law to make it easier for parents and students to opt out of vaccinations for religious reasons without needing further approval or explanation. The bill also extends these exemptions to students enrolled in public institutions of higher education.

The legislation updates Alabama law to clarify that a parent’s written objection is sufficient to exempt their child from any vaccination or disease testing requirement in K-12 public schools for religious reasons. It removes any requirement for school board approval or third-party certification.

The bill also extends similar protections to students attending public colleges and universities. Under SB85, institutions may not require vaccines or disease testing as a condition of enrollment unless they provide both medical and religious exemptions. Students can claim a religious exemption with a simple written declaration.

Conservatives across the state have celebrated the bill as a win for individual liberty and a necessary pushback against what they see as federal and institutional overreach during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.

The bill now moves to the House. If signed into law, SB85 will go into effect October 1, 2025. Today was day 18 of the 2025 legislative session.

Grace Heim is a state and political reporter for Yellowhammer News. You can follow her on X @graceeheim or email her at [email protected].