Thank you for taking action! The 2025 regular session in Louisiana has ended and our lawmakers opposed HB 555 & HB 629!

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 lawmakers introduced bills that threatened to dismantle core components of the state’s public health infrastructure — including removing and prohibiting vaccine requirements. If enacted, these proposals would have severely limited the ability of healthcare professionals, schools, and government agencies to protect the public from infectious diseases like measles and polio.

But they heard from YOU and they opposed these bills. HB 555 was deferred in committee and HB 629 did not get a hearing.

Our work is not done and your advocacy is still needed to protect access to vaccines and public health in Louisiana. See our call to action page to take action now!

For more details on HB 555 and HB 629, please see below.

House Bill 629 – “Medical Freedom and Informed Consent Act”

Author: Rep. Jay Galle
Status: Awaiting House Health Committee Hearing

HB 629 Prohibits requiring any vaccines, including those that prevent measles and polio.

Introduces statutory damages of at least $5,000 and option for civil penalties.

House Bill 555 – “Medical Freedom Act”

Authors: Reps. Beryl Amedee and Danny McCormick
Status: Deferred in House Health Committee Hearing on 5/7 (voluntary, could get a second hearing)

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.