JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Rep. Nick Schroer of St. Charles County pre-filed legislation last week to prohibit vaccine mandates within the school system for both students and faculty/staff.

If passed, HB 1475 would prohibit public schools from enforcing a COVID-19 vaccine mandate or mandating any type of gene therapy treatments beginning in the 2022-23 school year. The bill would also prevent schools from placing mandates on attendees at school events or visitors on the school premises. 

The measure would further prohibit school employees and students from being forced to submit testing for COVID-19 without the written consent of the employees or a student’s guardian. The bill would also block all individuals from being forced to unwillingly receive the COVID-19 vaccination before being accepted for employment or enrollment by the school district or public school. 

Additionally, if a school employee attempts to enforce any type of prohibited mandate, the bill would allow any student, their guardian or school employee to bring forth a civil action lawsuit against the district and/or employee who is attempting to enforce the mandate. 

If passed, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education will be called to fine school employees up to $5,000 per each violation if they attempt to enforce any said mandates. 

The bill would also put similar stipulations on institutions of higher learning. 

Schroer, a candidate for Missouri State Senate, held a “We The Parents” town hall on Dec. 7 in Lake St. Louis where many parents came to voice their concerns about the current school system. 

“It’s time we put parents in the drivers’ seat of the education and upbringing of their children,” he said.