Connecticut is one step closer to ending religious exemptions for vaccines.

The proposed ban cleared a key hurdle this evening in Hartford. The state's Public Health Committee advanced the ban Monday evening.

Under the plan, unvaccinated kids could not attend any school, public or private, unless they have a valid medical reason. But in a compromise, current students could stay and be grandfathered in.

"If we have a public health crisis, you wouldn't be 'grandfathering' people," said Republican state Sen. Heather Somers.

Last week, a public hearing went a record 21 hours, pitting parents against doctors who say Connecticut risks a future disease outbreak without stronger vaccine rules.

"We're all reading about the coronavirus, see what that's doing?" said Gov. Ned Lamont. "Not just in China, but to South Korea and Italy and other places. We've got to be ready."

But even some Democrats say the ban is too much, too fast.

"We're launching this bill based on a need that, to me, is not reasonably proved," said Democratic state Rep. David Michel.

"What is the rush?" asked Democratic Rep. Jack Hennessy. "The data is flawed and there is no medical emergency."

Under this bill, state health authorities would be required to release detailed vaccination data every year. Critics want to wait for that data before moving forward.

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