HB 1156 / SB 1030

This bill removes the state’s requirement that parents vaccinate their children according to the CDC’s recommended schedule, reaffirming that medical decisions belong to parents, not the government. The bill eliminates Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 37-10-401(a), which places the responsibility on parents to follow the CDC or American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) vaccine schedule.

This legislation is a necessary step in restoring parental rights over medical decisions. The CDC is a federal agency, and the AAP is a private organization, both of which operate outside of Tennessee’s jurisdiction and accountability. Tennessee’s General Assembly should not delegate its authority to these external entities, particularly when it comes to personal medical choices.

Importantly, it does not eliminate existing immunization laws for schools, preschools, or childcare facilities. Instead, it ensures that state law does not mandate compliance with shifting federal vaccine recommendations. Parents should retain the right to make informed healthcare decisions for their children without unnecessary government mandates.

By passing this bill, Tennessee takes a strong stance for medical freedom, parental rights, and state sovereignty over public health policy. This bill ensures that vaccination decisions remain where they belong—in the hands of parents, not the government.