SACRAMENTO (AP) — The California Senate has approved a bill that would require parents to visit the doctor's office before enrolling their children in school without vaccines.

The bill by Democratic Assemblyman Richard Pan of Sacramento passed the Senate Wednesday on a 21-14 vote. It now goes back to the Assembly for a final vote.

AB2109 would require parents who enroll students who have not received the required public school vaccines to obtain a waiver from a physician or a nurse practitioner saying they have received information about the benefits and risks of immunization.

Republican lawmakers opposed the proposal, saying it infringes on parental rights and increases medical costs for families.

Democratic Sen. Lois Wolk of Davis said it's a matter of public health and the waivers could be obtained during routine visits.