State lawmakers plan to push ahead with religious exemption bill

Hartford (AP) — Leaders of the Connecticut General Assembly’s Public Health Committee on Wednesday pledged to move forward this session with legislation that would end a religious exemption from vaccinations for schoolchildren, despite being called on by thousands of residents to postpone plans.

While the committee’s top lawmakers postponed a vote to officially consider the subject for an eventual bill, they said legislation similar to what was proposed last year will likely be resurrected in the coming days.

“It is our intent to bring this bill back to the committee,” said Rep. Jonathan Steinberg, D-Westport, who said the panel’s leaders wanted to take some extra time to make sure the lawmakers know what they’re voting on — the first of multiple steps in the legislative process for one of the most contentious issues facing lawmakers this year. The bill thus far does not reference the COVID-19 vaccine.

“We’re going to come back to you with a bill you’ll have a chance to review and share with constituents and highlight what will be the basis for conversation in the public hearing,” Steinberg said.

Legislators said they received a petition with more than 10,000 signatures asking lawmakers to postpone acting on such a contentious bill considering people will have to testify via Zoom and not in person at the state Capitol, because of COVID-19 safety restrictions.

Hundreds of people turned out about a year ago for a marathon public hearing on a bill that would end the religious exemption. The committee ultimately voted to advance the bill, but the issue fizzled after the General Assembly canceled the rest of the session because of COVID-19.

Months later, many of the estimated 500 protesters who turned out on opening day of this year’s legislative session urged lawmakers not to take up the bill again, arguing it’s an infringement on their religious rights.