FRESNO (KMJ) – The state legislature approved changes to the school vaccine bill sought by Governor Gavin Newsom. SB 276 was a controversial bill aiming to crack down on medical exemptions for vaccines.
Lawmakers passed the companion bill Monday despite protesters’ efforts to disrupt the proceedings.
The follow-up legislation gives school children grace periods that could last several years on existing medical exemptions. The companion bill also makes it clear that enforcement will start next year.
It came after a day of heated protest at the capitol.
At least six people were arrested for blocking the entrance to the state capitol.
And both houses were forced into recess for more than an hour Monday by hundreds of protesters of Senate Bill 276.
One group protested in the Assembly gallery while another banged on the walls of the Senate.
Despite chants of “kill the bill,” Senate passed SB 714 by a vote of 27 to 11. It was later signed by the governor.
