W.Va. Gov. vetoes vaccine bill, signing new laws by midnight deadline

Published: Mar. 27, 2024 at 5:29 PM EDT|Updated: 18 hours ago

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) – West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice on Wednesday announced he has vetoed the vaccine bill, also known as House Bill 5105.

It would have removed vaccination requirements for students in virtual public schools and allow private and parochial schools to set their own standards, according to a release from the Governor’s Office.

Justice said the following in his veto letter:

“Since this legislation was passed, I have heard constant, strong opposition to this legislation from our State’s medical community. The overwhelming majority that have voiced their opinion believe that this legislation will do irreparable harm by crippling childhood immunity to diseases such as mumps and measles. West Virginia historically has seen very few instances of these diseases, specifically because the vaccination requirements in this State are so strong. Importantly, the vaccines at issue have been required in this State for decades and have kept our communities safe. Our surrounding states, however, have seen spikes in such illnesses recently. These spikes, we are advised, are the result of the lesser vaccine requirements in those states. The image below shows surrounding states with reported measles cases as of March 21, 2024, highlighted in blue.

“Additionally, we have heard from many private and parochial institutions all around the State, likewise requesting this bill be vetoed. We have heard from this community that they see this bill as purely divisive and, if signed into law, requiring consideration of adopting policies that will result in parents pulling their children from their schools. “I have always and will always defend our freedoms as West Virginians and as Americans. I hear how strongly people believe in one side or the other on this subject, and I respect all opinions. But I must follow the guidance of our medical experts on this subject. Our medical community in West Virginia serves our people every single day, helping protect our people from disease and poor health. Their wisdom should not be ignored–especially when it comes to the health and safety of our children.

”West Virginia is way ahead of the pack in protecting our children from preventable diseases like the measles, and in this matter, I will defer to our licensed medical professionals who have come forward overwhelmingly to say this bill could and likely would result in reduced immunity and harm to West Virginia’s kids. Our kids are our future. They are our most important resource, and I will protect them with everything I have. Accordingly, I hereby disapprove and return Enrolled Committee Substitute for House Bill 5105.”

After 60 days of legislative debate and lawmaking, Wednesday marks the final day that the governor can have his say on what passed.

Legislation of note getting his signature Wednesday includes a bill to encourage more use of the state parks by veterans — reduced rates and discounts to be explored.

Sen. Ryan Weld, R-Brooke, the proposal’s sponsor, told WSAZ this when the bill passed.

“We want to make West Virginia as friendly as possible to veterans and their families, active duty military members and their families as well, and so this is just part of that, trying to make us as welcome as possible, so that they feel that that they are welcome at our state parks at our state forest,” he said.

Also signed Wednesday — legislation to reduce absenteeism in your child’s school. The law will require new support systems to learn why a child is absent and ways the school can help that student be present more often.

“So we want to make sure that we catch those students and we intervene academically so that we can help to propel them, and we let parents know, ‘Listen, it’s important for them to be at school,’” Sen. Amy Grady, R-Mason, told WSAZ.

Another bill signed Wednesday will allow 18-year-olds to become a state trooper.

On Tuesday, the governor signing into law a communication system for foster parents and legislation raising the state’s age to buy tobacco and vape products to 21.

Anything not signed or vetoed by midnight, as Wednesday turns to Thursday, becomes law without his signature.

Lost Tribe Ministries