LANSING, MI — State Representative Gina Johnsen has introduced legislation to ensure state agencies cannot impose new or expanded requirements on parents seeking vaccine exemptions for their children.

House Bills 5634 and 5635, sponsored by Johnsen and Rep. Donni Steele, would reaffirm that state departments must operate strictly within existing statute and may not create additional conditions or administrative barriers beyond what is already established in law. Companion measures, Senate Bills 797 and 798, have been introduced in the Senate by Senators Ruth Johnson and Lana Theis.

The legislation comes amid concerns that administrative rulemaking could be used to add procedural steps not authorized by statute, effectively restricting rights that the law already protects.

“Michigan clearly allows for physician-certified medical exemptions and written religious or philosophical objections submitted by a parent or guardian,” said Johnsen. “Those protections are in statute. They should not be weakened or redefined by unelected bureaucrats.”

Johnsen said the bills are focused on maintaining clear boundaries between lawmaking authority and administrative enforcement.

“Parents’ rights cannot be narrowed by bureaucratic reinterpretation; only the Legislature can change the law,” Johnsen said. “Parents deserve clarity and confidence that their rights will not be eroded behind closed doors.”

House Bills 5634 and 5635 and Senate Bills 797 and 798 have been referred to their respective committees for further consideration.