The 2025 Louisiana legislative session is underway. In the midst of Louisiana’s first cases of measles recently confirmed by the Louisiana Department of Health and an ongoing whooping cough (pertussis) outbreak that has already killed 2 Louisiana infants, Louisiana Families for Vaccines is sounding the alarm about a slate of bills that threaten to dismantle core components of the state’s public health infrastructure — including removing and prohibiting vaccine requirements. If enacted, these proposals would severely limit the ability of healthcare professionals, schools, and government agencies to protect the public from infectious diseases like measles and polio.
“Our mission is to advocate for public health and fact-based public policy and promote immunizations for healthier kids and communities,” said Jennifer Herricks, PhD, founder of Louisiana Families for Vaccines. “These bills represent a dangerous step backward. Anyone who is concerned about these bills should call their state legislators and express their concerns.”
Louisiana Families for Vaccines has identified several bills introduced this session that would harm public health:
House Bill 555 – “Medical Freedom Act”
Authors: Reps. Kathy Edmonston Amedee and Danny McCormick
Status: House Health Committee
HB555 conflates public health with discrimination and would prohibit government and private entities—including schools and businesses—from requiring medical interventions, including vaccines. The sweeping scope of the bill threatens basic public health practices that have long protected communities from outbreaks of infectious disease like measles and polio.
The bill allows for exemptions only for face masks required for healthcare workers and agencies following occupational safety guidelines. In addition, it imposes a $5,000 minimum statutory penalty per violation, opening the door to costly litigation.
Preventing schools and businesses from implementing basic public health precautions undermines their ability to protect children, workers, and the public.
House Bill 629 – “Medical Freedom and Informed Consent Act”
Author: Rep. Jay Galle
Status: House Health Committee
HB629 also prohibits requiring any vaccines, including those that prevent measles and polio. In addition, it limits access to vaccines and other medical interventions by preventing mature minors from consenting for themselves.
HB 629 includes a statutory penalty of at least $5,000 per violation and opens up civil litigation. The bill frames basic public health guidance as coercive while denying private institutions the ability to implement common-sense safety measures.This legislation turns scientifically sound health policy into a liability and creates confusion for businesses, schools, and hospitals.
House Bill 377 – Medical Treatment Refusal During EUA
Author: Rep. Charles Anthony Owens
Status: Awaiting action in the House Health Committee
HB377 would prohibit requirements for vaccines, clinical tests, and other medical treatments authorized under an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA). EUAs are essential tools that enable the FDA to provide timely access to critical medical countermeasures during public health crises, such as pandemics or bioterrorism threats.
This bill includes punitive measures against healthcare providers designed to discourage them from recommending or administering life-saving EUA-approved interventions. Criminalizing doctors for using rigorously tested and approved public health tools sets a dangerous precedent. It chills clinical judgment and erodes trust in the healthcare system. This bill would critically weaken our ability to respond swiftly in future public health emergencies.
A Call for Responsible Public Health Policy
Crystal Rommen, LCSW-BACS, director of Louisiana Families for Vaccines said, “These bills represent an attack on evidence-based medicine and the institutions tasked with keeping communities safe. If passed, they will sow further distrust, reduce vaccine coverage, and tie the hands of health professionals when they are most needed. We urge advocates to contact their state lawmakers and ask them to reject these measures and instead support policies that strengthen—not sabotage—our public health system.”