SF 3439 is a Minnesota bill that would remove the existing conscientious-belief exemption for the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine requirement in child care, preschool, prekindergarten, elementary school, secondary school, and related educational settings. Under the bill, parents could no longer decline the MMR vaccine for their child based on religious, philosophical, personal, or conscientious beliefs; families would instead need to provide proof of MMR vaccination or qualify for a medical exemption. In effect, SF 3439 would condition a child’s access to school or child care on compliance with the MMR requirement unless a narrow medical exemption applies. This sets the stage for similar legislation to be passed in Minnesota, and across the United States.
