The District of Columbia Council approved a bill allowing minors over the age of 11 to obtain recommended vaccinations without parental consent. The bill specifies additional steps to protect a minor's right to confidentiality around an HPV vaccine (which protects against the sexually-transmitted virus).
The bill passed its required second reading on Nov. 17. After the mayor signs the bill, it is then sent to the U.S. Congress under D.C.'s unique governance provisions. Congress has 30 days to act to block the bill with a joint resolution requiring presidential approval. If no action is taken, the law then takes effect in the city.