Parents Threaten To Pull Kids Out Of School If California Vaccine Bill Passes

SACRAMENTO (CSB13) — As the debate continues in California's legislature, some parents say they plan to tell lawmakers they will put their kids out of school if the bill passes.

As some parent groups push back against Senate Bill 277, the bill that would do away with personal belief exemptions to avoid vaccines in schools, anti-vaccine parents now insist they will instead homeschool their children if the bill becomes law, possibly affecting school funding.

Assemblyman Richard Pan, who is co-author of the bill, says while some parents may turn to homeschooling, he doesn't believe the funding cuts would be significant.

"It seems to be another tactic by the opposition that's based on exaggeration and attempt at intimidation," he said. "I think the people are that are most knowledgeable about the subject are in support of this bill."

It's estimated that between 1 percent and 5 percent of students attending schools are unvaccinated under a personal beliefs exemption.

Pan says the opponents are lobbing what they can to halt a bill aimed at public health.

"We have Prop. 98, that sets the funding for schools, this will not affect Prop 98, many schools have a property tax base, that property tax base will not be affected," he said.

It's estimated that each student in public school provides a district with around $6,000 in funding. The Sacramento City Unified School District said it has 686 unvaccinated students, and would take a $4.8 million hit if they were all homeschooled.

Jesus Holguin is the president of the California Association of School Boards, which supports SB277. He believes many parents will rethink homeschooling when they realize the responsiblity.

"It's a huge responsibility for the parents to make sure that the students are getting the education that they deserve and need to have, and the parents may or may not have the time," he said.

The bill will be heard on Wednesday by the Senate Education Committee.