Sayra DeVito

Dear Chair, Vice Chair and Honorable Members of the Health, Human Services, and Elderly Affairs Committee, I am writing to express my strong support for House Bill 358, which seeks to simplify the process for parents and legal guardians to claim a religious exemption from childhood immunization requirements. As a co-sponsor of this bill, I believe it is essential to uphold the rights of individuals to make medical decisions in accordance with their religious beliefs. Currently, New Hampshire law permits parents or legal guardians to exempt their children from immunization requirements on religious grounds by signing a specific form provided by the state. HB 358 proposes to eliminate the necessity of this particular form, allowing parents or guardians to submit a simple signed statement asserting that their child has not been immunized due to religious beliefs. This legislative change underscores our commitment to religious freedom by removing administrative hurdles that may impede individuals from exercising their sincerely held beliefs. By streamlining the exemption process, we ensure that parents and guardians can make timely decisions regarding their children’s health without unnecessary bureaucratic procedures. It is important to note that HB 358 does not alter the existing immunization requirements or compromise public health safeguards. The bill solely focuses on simplifying the exemption process for those with genuine religious objections, ensuring that their rights are respected while maintaining the integrity of our public health system. House Bill 358 represents a balanced approach to honoring individual religious convictions while preserving public health standards. I respectfully urge the committee to recommend HB 358 as “Ought to Pass” and to support its passage in the House. In Liberty, Representative Sayra DeVito Rockingham 8