State Lawmaker Considers Reintroducing Controversial Bill To Make It Harder To Opt Out Of Vaccines

DENVER (CBS4)- One state lawmakers is considering bringing back a controversial bill that would make it harder for parents to opt out of vaccinations for their children.

Rep. Dan Pabon, a Democrat representing Denver, hopes the measure would reduce the number of Colorado children who are exempt from vaccines.

Last year, lawmakers killed a bill sponsored by Pabon that would have required parents who opt out of vaccinations to be educated on the risks and benefits.

"We want parent to be informed about the decisions they make before opting out of vaccinations. They need data that shows both the positives and the negatives of vaccinations so that they can make a fully informed decision about their children's health, but again it's bigger than that. It's about our public's health," said Pabon.

Pabon said Colorado is among the easiest states for patients to opt out of vaccines.