Florida's Senate Committee on Health Policy voted 6-4 on January 29th to advance SB 1756, the Medical Freedom Act, which prohibits the State Health Officer from ordering vaccinations and establishes conscience protections as exemptions from school-entry vaccine requirements. The bill requires providers to obtain signed informed consent before administering vaccines to minors and awaits consideration in the Appropriations Committee.

As federal vaccine recommendations become less consistent, states are increasingly asserting independent authority over immunization policies. Several states formed regional collaboratives for vaccine guidance and procurement in late 2025, while others enacted legislation replacing federal recommendations with state-based advisories. Conversely, some states like Florida are moving to eliminate school vaccine mandates and emphasize parental choice through regulatory changes.

Delaware legislators introduced SB 213 eliminating hospital budget oversight authority, while Florida faces court-ordered Medicaid termination pauses after constitutional violations. North Carolina's certificate of need laws face ongoing legal challenges, and New York Governor Hochul proposed $71 million in healthcare investments including mental health licensing reforms. Utah became the first state implementing AI prescription renewals for chronic conditions.

Legislation we’re watching this month, including Certificate of Need in Mississippi, facility fees in Oregon, Medicaid reform in Indiana, and more.

Legislation we’re watching this month, including Medicaid policy activity in several states, a bill to eliminate the New Hampshire Vaccine Association, and more.