A proposal to repeal religious and philosophical exemptions to school immunization requirements in Maine has been referred to a legislative committee.
The proposal by Democratic Rep. Ryan Tipping of Orono and several co-sponsors was referred to the Committee on Education and Cultural Affairs on Feb. 12. Public hearings and work sessions about the proposal haven't yet been scheduled.
The bill strikes language in state law that allows exemptions.
Former Republican Gov. Paul LePage vetoed an attempt to tighten Maine's vaccine requirements in 2015. He wrote in his veto message the 2015 bill "unwisely leads the horse to water and tries to make it drink."
Democratic Gov. Janet Mills has said through a spokesman that she views vaccines as "critical" and will "carefully review" legislation to change the state's vaccine policies.