Senate passes Clay Yarborough’s ‘medical freedom’ bill despite House declaring it dead

The Senate is making a statement with legislation that makes it easier to dodge vaccine mandates and increases access to ivermectin.

That’s despite House Speaker Daniel Perez saying the House won’t bring up the bill.

“Florida has been a national leader in parental rights because we believe parents have a God-given right and responsibility to direct the upbringing of their children. The default decision-maker in a child’s life is the parent — not the government. This legislation not only ensures government is respecting the rights of parents to decide timing for vaccinations, but also makes certain whether they choose to vaccinate, or not, or in part, parents have detailed information available to make these important decisions,” said Senate President Ben Albritton.

“Ivermectin has been widely utilized in many communities across our state for years. Making this medication available behind-the-counter without a prescription is long overdue.”

Sen. Clay Yarborough’s bill (SB 1756) would require informed consent from parents about vaccines before administering, immunizing doctors from penalties and liability if they give out ivermectin and allowing pharmacists to do the same upon request, and allows the “conscience-based objection” to childhood inoculations.

“This legislation ensures parents have the opportunity to make educated medical decisions they believe are best for their school-aged children,” Yarborough said.

It also would repeal the July 1, 2027 sunset date for mRNA vaccine requirements. And it would compel the Board of Medicine and the Board of Osteopathic Medicine to create information about vaccines, exemption forms from the Department of Health website, and board-approved educational materials.

One amendment adopted to the bill Friday would make it explicit that medical providers couldn’t get a “kickback” from a vaccine manufacturer, imposing a felony penalty for those who did if the bill becomes law.

A second amendment said the adopted rules by the boards mentioned above must address “risk, benefits, safety, and efficacy.”

“This bill strikes the right balance by ensuring parents have information they need to make these important decisions. We are also providing clarity that, during a public health emergency, the Surgeon General cannot forcibly vaccinate an individual against their will. The bill also maintains the prohibition on discriminating against individuals based on mRNA vaccination status,” Yarborough added.