SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — A California Senate committee has approved a bill that would require California schoolchildren to be vaccinated.
The Senate Education Committee voted 7-2 Wednesday on the bill by Sen. Richard Pan, a Democratic pediatrician from Sacramento, with votes from both Democrats and Republicans.
The proposal would eliminate California's personal-belief and religious exemptions so unvaccinated children would not be able to attend public or private schools.
Medical waivers would only be available for children who have health problems.
Lawmakers delayed a vote on the bill last week after some on the committee worried it would deprive unvaccinated children from receiving an adequate education. Hundreds of opponents again filled the committee room for Wednesday's vote.
The bill now heads to the Senate Judiciary Committee for a hearing next week.
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