Federal: HR5075

Bill Summary

HR5075, the GRACE Act (Guaranteeing Religious Accommodation in Childhood Education Act), prohibits the award of federal education funds to schools and educational agencies that do not allow religious exemptions from vaccination requirements. The bill mandates that any educational institution receiving federal funds must permit individuals or their parents to claim religious exemptions from vaccination mandates without requiring documentation or proof of religious belief. The exemption applies to any vaccination condition for enrollment, attendance, participation in activities, or employment. By conditioning federal funding on this religious accommodation policy, the bill aims to prevent schools from enforcing universal vaccination requirements without exception.

Why It Matters to MAHA

MAHA supports this bill because it expands patient and parental autonomy by protecting the right to decline vaccines based on sincerely held religious beliefs without burdensome documentation requirements. The bill reinforces medical freedom by preventing federal education funding from being used to coerce vaccination compliance and removes barriers to individual choice in medical decision-making. This aligns with MAHA's core principle that government should not mandate medical interventions or restrict access to education based on vaccination status. The legislation respects the diversity of health perspectives and prevents federal dollars from funding institutions that deny religious accommodation in healthcare decisions affecting children.