Michigan GOP Lawmakers Propose Vaccination Rights Bills

Bills aim to protect parental rights and make it easier to get vaccine exemptions

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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A group of Republican lawmakers in Michigan have introduced a package of bills that they say are aimed at protecting parental rights and making it easier to obtain vaccine exemptions in the state. The bills would prevent the state from implementing any new requirements that could make the exemption process more difficult. However, some Democratic lawmakers and health experts argue the bills could undermine public health efforts and put children at risk.

Why it matters

Michigan has historically had one of the highest vaccine exemption rates in the country, raising concerns about potential outbreaks of preventable diseases. This legislative effort reflects an ongoing debate over the balance between individual rights and public health priorities when it comes to vaccine policies.

The details

The proposed bills would not create new vaccine exemptions, as those already exist in Michigan. Instead, the Republican lawmakers behind the legislation say they want to "protect parental rights" and prevent the state from making the exemption process any more "onerous." Currently, Michigan requires parents seeking a vaccine exemption for their child to take a class at their local health department and obtain a waiver. Some lawmakers argue these steps are important public health measures, while the bill sponsors say they have become too burdensome for parents.

  • The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services reported that Michigan had the fourth-highest vaccine exemption rate in the country in 2014.
  • Since then, the state has implemented new requirements for obtaining vaccine exemptions.

The players

Rep. Donni Steele

A Republican state representative from Orion Township who is sponsoring the vaccine exemption bills.

Rep. Matt Longjohn

A Democratic state representative from Portage who is also a doctor and opposes the proposed bills, arguing they could undermine public health efforts.

Michigan Department of Health and Human Services

The state agency that oversees vaccine policies and requirements in Michigan.

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What they’re saying

“This package of bills isn't creating exemptions for immunizations. They're already allowed. What we're trying to do is protect parental rights, to be able to give the control back to our parents where the control should be.”

— Rep. Donni Steele, Republican state representative (cbsnews.com)

“These bills would keep the department from doing some things that might save a lot of lives.”

— Rep. Matt Longjohn, Democratic state representative and doctor (cbsnews.com)

What’s next

The proposed bills will now go through the legislative process in Michigan, where they will be debated and voted on by state lawmakers.

The takeaway

This debate over vaccine exemptions in Michigan reflects the ongoing national discussion around balancing individual rights and public health priorities when it comes to vaccination policies. The outcome of this legislative effort could have significant implications for vaccination rates and disease prevention efforts in the state.