HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) Connecticut parents and guardians who want their children exempted from immunizations for religious reasons must submit a letter each year to the child's school, under a bill that has cleared the House of Representatives.

The legislation requires the letter to be ``acknowledged'' by an official, such as a town clerk. An earlier version of the bill required the letter be notarized.

The controversial proposal, the subject of numerous emails to lawmakers, cleared the House on an 86-56 vote Thursday. It now moves to the Senate.

Rep. Vincent Candelora called the new process ``insulting'' to parents who want to protect their children from vaccines.

But Rep. Matt Ritter said an increasing number of religious exemptions are a public health concern. He said parents need to consider the seriousness of their decision.