Image Credit: capitol.tn.gov
The Tennessee Conservative Staff –
The Tennessee House of Representatives passed legislation that will remove vaccination requirements for potential foster and adoptive parents.
House Bill 1726, sponsored by Representative Ron Gant (R-Piperton-District 94) would change an existing policy that does not allow unvaccinated families to foster or adopt children 18 months old or younger.
The House moved to conform to Senate Bill 2359 (SB2359), sponsored by Senator Bo Watson (R-Hixson-District 11).
Before discussion of the bill, Representative Justin Pearson (D-Memphis-District 86) introduced an amendment that would stipulate that the department could not place a child who is immuno-compromised in an unvaccinated home.
“I want children to be adopted, I want children to be fostered…but we should not put children’s health at risk because some adults have decided they don’t believe in the efficacy of vaccines,” Pearson stated. “This is us doing our jobs, ensuring that we are responsible stewards of the children who are in our care.”
Gant responded that he would be willing to consider working on additional legislation next year but would like to keep the bill like the Senate bill currently and encouraged others to vote against the amendment.
The amendment failed with a vote of 68 ayes and 24 nays.
Gant then went on to explain that the legislation would expand the eligible pool of families who are able to foster and adopt in Tennessee.
Representative John Ray Clemmons (D-Nashville-District 55) argued that this bill was putting priority on the concerns of the potential family rather than placing emphasis on the needs of the child.
Representative Gant stated that he had no further comments, after which Representative Ron Travis (R-Dayton-District 31) called previous question.
There was objection to the question but ayes prevailed in a vote on the previous question; which brought about an end to further discussion/debate on the bill.
The bill passed with 70 ayes and 24 nays. Representative Sam Whitson (R-Franklin-District 65) was the sole Republican voting against the legislation.
