Immunization Bill Clears

Sen. Jack Riggs’s bill to enact a statewide immunization registry cleared the House on Thursday, but not without debate.

Riggs’ bill was overhauled by Reps. Bill Sali, R-Boise, and Donna Boe, D-Pocatello, to make it plain that the registry would be voluntary and would not mandate that parents have their children immunized.

The new version of the bill makes it clear that the only people who could have access to the registry would be the health district and the school to which the child belongs, as well as the parents and any hospital that might house the child at any time.

“It’s all confidential,” Sali said.

“I’m surprised at the amount of fear and suspicion surrounding this bill,” Boe said. “This public health measure promotes the health of Idaho’s children.”

But Rep. Lenore Barrett, R-Challis, said that “This bill is drifting into socialism.” She was concerned about the registry connecting to a national database, giving the federal government access to Idaho kids’ medical records.

“It’s the scenic route to a national health care plan,” Barrett warned.

North Idaho Rep. John Campbell also voted against the bill and said, “I didn’t hear any support from my constituents but I heard plenty against.”