March 31st, 2024 by WCBC Radio

West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice on Wednesday vetoed a bill  that would have loosened West Virginia's school vaccination policies.  The bill would have allowed some students who don’t attend traditional public institutions or participate in group extracurriculars like sports to be exempt from vaccinations typically required for children starting day care or school.

The bill, which received majority support in both legislative chambers, would have allowed private schools to develop and enforce their own policies on vaccinations. 

Justice, who is running for U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin’s seat, received immense pressure to reject the bill from health care leaders, educators and parents.

The veto came on the last day before a key deadline that would have allowed the bill to go into law without Justice’s signature.