Relating to: including information about immunization waivers in enrollment or admission materials for schools, child care centers, and nursery schools.

# Wisconsin Immunization Waiver Bill Fails to Advance

A Wisconsin bill that would have expanded vaccine exemptions for students has failed to pass the State Legislature. The measure, which did not advance pursuant to Senate Joint Resolution 1, represents the latest chapter in an ongoing debate over vaccination requirements in Wisconsin schools.

The failed legislation came as Wisconsin continues to grapple with declining immunization rates. According to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, 86.4% of students met minimum immunization requirements during the 2024-25 school year. Currently, Wisconsin allows parents to obtain waivers for vaccine requirements by submitting written statements citing health, religious, or personal conviction reasons—among the broadest exemption policies in the nation.

For Milwaukee families and educators, the outcome reflects competing priorities in state education policy. Supporters of expanded exemptions have argued parents should have greater flexibility in medical decisions, while public health advocates worry that lower vaccination rates could leave students vulnerable to preventable diseases. The debate has intensified in recent years, with Governor Tony Evers previously vetoing a 2024 bill that would have loosened vaccine requirements at higher education institutions, citing concerns about campus health and safety.

The failed bill leaves Wisconsin's current immunization policies unchanged heading into the next school year, with no new requirements or exemption changes announced by the Department of Public Instruction.