Ask Louisiana lawmakers to oppose HB 555, HB 629 and HB 377 to protect public health!

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 have filed 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.

Use the form below to contact our lawmakers and ask them to oppose these bills. Feel free to personalize your message. You can also add talking points from the bill descriptions listed below the form.

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.