Samantha Buckalew
OKLAHOMA CITY – The House revs up again as they begin going through OSU 548 written by Representative Wade. His bill, titled, “Health Security” requires everyone under the age of 18 to keep up with their medical immunizations regardless of religious exemptions; it states that “the only exemptions from any vaccinations will be for medical reasons accompanied with a note from a licensed clinical professional”. The intent of this bill is for children who attend public schools and universities to all be kept up-to-date on their vaccinations so as to not pose a health threat to others attending the school.
The representatives grill the author, questioning how the passage of this bill will benefit the children of Oklahoma and why he feels that it is important the there is no religious exemption accounted for. Author Wade held firm in his stance that not allowing for a religious exemption is important to the health and wellness of the people of Oklahoma.
The bill’s penalties include fines to the parents of children who are not kept up to date, as well they could be charged with “a reckless endangerment [charge] at the felony level punishable to up to two years confinement”. Many representatives find fault in the penalties section, such a Representative Nelson. Nelson questioned how the author felt about the psychological distress would be on the child if their parents were to go to jail for two years. Representative Wade’s response was that he is aware that there could be possible mental repercussions on a child because of their parents’ incarceration, however he believes that the public health and safety of the people of Oklahoma outweighs that possibility.
Zero Star Mariah Carter, from OSU, brings turmoil into the discussion on the intent of the bill as she submits a hostile amendment. The amendment completely changes the intent of the bill, as it allows for religious exemptions to immunizations. The House voted to debate Carter’s amendment to the bill as, if accepted, it will change the entire intent of the bill. Those on the pro-po for her amendment said that people should not have to go against their religion and be forced to be vaccinated, on the other hand, those against the amendment spoke about how the public health risk outweighs the individual’s religion. Although Carter advocated brilliantly for her amendment, it did fail in the final vote on the amendment.
The House gavelled out in order to draw up debate lists and organize the delegates points against the other side. During the same time, delegates also went to vote to retain some of the Supreme Court Justices because of the slight reprieve they had in their legislative day.
Once they gavelled back in the House delegates prepared themselves for debate. The last proponency speaker was Speaker Pro Hickey who delivered a powerful message, “We deserve to live. Our children deserve to live.” Overall, the debater gave strong arguments for both sides, each citing religious rights and others mentioning the herd effect.
With a final vote of 52 for and 15 against OSU 548 passed the House of Representatives and will move on to the Senate at a later time.