OLYMPIA – A measure requiring all public schools in the state to provide parents with information about a sexually transmitted virus that can cause cervical cancer and about a vaccine to protect against it is headed to Gov. Chris Gregoire.
The House, on a 76-18 vote, agreed Saturday to changes made by the Senate. Gregoire’s spokeswoman Holly Armstrong said the governor is expected to sign the measure into law.
The bill would require all public schools to give parents of entering sixth graders information on the human papilloma virus, its symptoms, causes and places to obtain vaccinations.
The original House bill would have extended the requirement to private schools. The Senate version requires private schools to tell provide parents who request it with information about the virus and vaccine, but would not require it be handed out at school.
Lawmakers have also included money in the budget to make the vaccine part of the state’s universal vaccine program, which would make it available to girls between the ages of nine and 18 at almost no cost.
Parents would still have to pay doctor visit fees, but the cost of the three-dose vaccine – about $360 – would be picked up by the state.
“As parents learn more about the availability of the vaccine and see that they can access it, then we’ll see a lot more girls protected,” said Rep. Jeannie Darneille, D-Tacoma, the bill’s sponsor.
Several other states considered mandating that all girls receive the vaccine, but Darneille said she’s happy Washington decided not to take that approach.
“This strategy took away some of the automatic displeasure or consternation about the bill and allowed us to have a frank, informative debate,” she said.
Also on Saturday, the House agreed to Senate changes on the following bills, which now all head to the governor for signature:
* On a 94-0 vote, a measure that allows certain students with disabilities to participate in graduation ceremonies. The measure is House Bill 1050.
* On a 78-16 vote, a measure that creates a scholarship program for former foster care children. The measure is House Bill 1131.
* On a 93-1 vote, a measure that extends eligibility for Medicaid for foster care children from age 18 to age 21. The measure is House Bill 1201.
* On a 72-21 vote, a measure that creates a scholarship program for students who plan to major in a math or science related field. The measure is House Bill 1779.
* On a 94-0 vote, a measure that creates a legislative gift center in Olympia. The measure is House Bill 1896.
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