MADISON (WKOW) — Some state legislators are pushing a new bill to tackle declining vaccination rates by eliminating the personal conviction exemption for immunizations.

Rep. Lisa Subeck and Sen. Chris Larson, both Democrats, announced the co-sponsorship of bills LRB 0016/1 and LRB 5703/1 on Thursday.

The proposed legislation aims to address the rising number of unvaccinated children, which poses a public health risk. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services reported that 5.8% of students had a personal conviction waiver in the 2024-25 school year, a significant factor in the state's low vaccination rates.

"Vaccination is not just about individual protection; it is about protecting the community as a whole," said the memorandum.

Wisconsin currently allows exemptions for medical, reli

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