NASHVILLE, Tenn. — State Rep. Terri Lynn Weaver, R-Lancaster, is pursuing legislation that would prevent minors from being vaccinated without parental consent.

House Bill 2451, as amended, states that a parent or legal guardian must give written consent before their child receives a vaccination or injection from a health care practitioner. It would also require written permission before a student participated in a mental health screening.

The legislation would replace the portion of the Mature Minor Doctrine which allows health departments to provide vaccinations to patients as young as 14 without parental consent if the individual provider determines that the patent meets the definition of a “mature minor.” Health care providers must already get written consent from a legal guardian before vaccinating a minor against COVID-19, according to legislation approved by state lawmakers last year.

“This bill reiterates the fact that parents have total control when it comes to making the best health care decisions for their children, not the government, not the school system and not the department of health,” Weaver said. “Parents are already responsible for their children until they turn 18. This just ensures that they have the final say regarding their children and any current or future vaccines that may be developed.”

The legislation would not affect the manner in which a local education agency is required to provide educational services to a child as part of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act or other federal law. It would also not apply to students who are 18 years of age or older.

House Bill 2451 is scheduled to be heard by the House Health Subcommittee on March 22. If approved by the General Assembly and signed into law by Gov. Bill Lee, the legislation would take effect July 1. More information about the bill can be found here.

Terri Lynn Weaver represents House District 40, which includes Smith, Trousdale and part of DeKalb and Sumner counties. She serves as vice chair of the Education Instruction Committee and is also a member of the Transportation Committee, Naming and Designating Committee and the Education Instruction Subcommittee.