Exemptions

Legal Battle Brews in West Virginia Over Religious Exemptions to School Vaccination Rules

by

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — A judge in Berkeley County is grappling with the intersection of religious freedoms and public health, following a hearing regarding school vaccination mandates. Judge Michael Lorensen indicated his hesitance to assert that West Virginia’s religious freedoms law has a direct bearing on compulsory vaccinations for schoolchildren. After a lengthy three-hour session, Lorensen opted against issuing a preliminary injunction that would require local school officials to accommodate requests for religious exemptions from nine families. While he scheduled a more comprehensive hearing for Nov. 12, he cautioned the families that their prospects did not … Read more

Controversial Hearing Explores Religious Vaccine Exemptions Amid Potential Surge in Requests

by

BECKLEY, W.Va. — The second day of hearings regarding religious and philosophical vaccine exemptions has raised significant concerns about the potential repercussions of allowing two Raleigh County families to bypass the state’s vaccine mandate. The court must decide whether approval of these exemptions might lead to a wave of requests from additional families, potentially numbering as many as 570. The families in question are seeking an injunction to challenge the West Virginia State Board of Education’s refusal to grant their religious or philosophical exemptions in light of a recent executive order. This order, issued by … Read more

California Committee Strips Away ‘Leno’s Law’ for Classic Car Exemptions, Leaving Enthusiasts in Disappointment

by

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A legislative committee in California has voted against a proposal that aimed to exempt classic car owners from stringent smog-check regulations, despite celebrity support from comedian Jay Leno. The Assembly Appropriations Committee on Friday chose not to advance Senate Bill 712, authored by Republican Senator Shannon Grove of Bakersfield, which had garnered significant attention earlier this year. Leno, a well-known classic car enthusiast with a collection nearing 200 vehicles, had advocated for the bill in Sacramento, arguing that the requirements for testing older cars significantly hinder ownership and restoration efforts. This measure … Read more

Washington Welcomes July with New Laws: Tax Hikes, Property Exemptions for Veterans, and Enhanced School Safety Measures

by

Olympia, Washington – As the state enters July, new legislative measures enacted during the latest session are set to reshape various aspects of life for residents. A significant change is the introduction of property tax exemptions for disabled veterans with a disability rating of at least 40%, effective July 1. Several other laws will take effect on July 27, including a new tax of $2 per pack on cigarettes, increased tax obligations for high-earning businesses, as well as higher fees related to licenses, court services, and outdoor recreation activities. A focus on school safety is … Read more