Hundreds of vaccine critics were out in force Wednesday at the state capitol fighting a bill that would force most kids to get immunized, if they want to go to school.

State lawmakers held a public hearing on the bill that would require students to be vaccinated to attend any school, including private schools, even if parents claim a religious objection.

State health officials at the hearing said Connecticut could face a measles outbreak if the state’s vaccine laws are not strengthened.

After all the parents get their say, the Public Health Committee will then decide whether to advance the bill to the full General Assembly.

If the bill passes, religious exemptions would go away this fall. However, the state public health commissioner says parents should have more time to adjust.

Gov. Ned Lamont issued a statement regarding the hearing.