Vaccines; religious exemption for K-12 students, further provided for; religious exemption for students at public institutions of higher education, provided

HB 503 would expand religious vaccine exemptions for students in Alabama. For K-12 public schools, it allows parents to exempt children with a simple written declaration (no explanation or approval needed). For public colleges, it requires institutions to offer religious exemptions (via student-written statements) alongside medical exemptions for vaccine or testing requirements. The bill takes effect October 1, 2025, and applies directly to K-12 students (via parents) and college students (directly).