State Sen. Lana Theis, state Sen. Ruth Johnson, state Rep. Gina Johnsen, and state Rep. Donni Steele have introduced legislation to stop the state from adopting rules that create new or additional requirements for vaccine exemptions for parents.
“Vaccination should be up to parents, not bureaucrats,” said Theis, R-Brighton. “Our legislation would help protect the ability of parents to make informed medical decisions that are in the best interest of their children. State departments should not be placing additional barriers or burdens on parents or guardians.”
Senate Bills 797 and 798, sponsored by Johnson and Theis, would reinforce current state law, which allows for medical exemptions certified by a physician when immunization may be detrimental to a child’s health and would preserve existing religious or other objection-based exemptions. Exemptions must be submitted in writing by a parent or guardian.
“These bills are in response to concerns that have been raised by my constituents and many other Michigan parents,” said Johnson, R-Holly. “Parents are being asked to jump through extra hoops — that are not outlined in state law — in order to exercise their right to make health care decisions for their own children. That is simply not appropriate.”
Similar legislation, House Bills 5634 and 5635, has also been introduced in the House of Representatives by Johnsen and Steele.
“Michigan’s Constitution and our laws are clear in providing for religious and other objections to be respected with regard to the choice to vaccinate,” said Johnsen, R-Portland. “State officials should not be trying to substitute their own judgment for parents.”
“We are continuing to see the deep state erosion of parental rights,” said Steele, R-Orion Township. “Bureaucrats should not be infringing on parents’ legal rights to make the health care decisions they feel are best for their kids.”
