House Bill 1118, which would remove nonmedical religious exemptions to Department of Education immunization requirements, drew extended debate on the House floor and advanced after members rejected a motion to recommit the measure to committee.

Representative Pierrick moved to recommit HB 1118 to the health committee; Representative Parrot seconded the motion. A roll‑call vote was requested but the clerk reported an insufficient number of requests, and the House took a voice vote — the motion to recommit failed. The underlying measure was then advanced as part of standing committee reports taken by voice vote.

Opponents framed the bill as an intrusion on religious liberty. Representative Garcia said, “This bill is a direct assault on the First Amendment of our parents and families within our state,” arguing the measure would “prohibit the free exercise of religion by families who hold sincere convictions regarding vaccinations.” Representative Alcos argued the bill disproportionately targets COVID‑19 shots and raised concern about unknown long‑term side effects.

Supporters cited falling vaccination rates and public‑health risk. Representative Takayama said the rate of vaccinated kindergarteners in the state was “about 86 percent. That's the third lowest in the nation,” and noted a commonly cited herd‑immunity threshold of 95 percent. Takayama added that “36 of our schools report that more than half of their students are missing all of their required vaccinations,” and that “more than 5 percent of our student population claim a religious exemption,” figures he presented to justify action.

Other members urged continued public conversation or registered reservations about implementation. Representative Bellotti said he supported the intent “with reservations” and expressed concern about legal challenges and implementation delays. Several members asked that statements be entered into the journal.

Procedurally, Representative Todd moved (earlier in the day) to adopt standing committee reports listed on pages 2 through 27 so the accompanying house bills could pass second reading and/or be referred. The chair directed a voice vote on that package; the motion carried, which the clerk recorded as the bills on those pages advancing by voice vote.

Actions recorded on the floor included the motion to recommit (failed) and the package voice vote advancing second readings. No roll‑call vote tally for HB 1118 was recorded in the transcript provided.