California Moves to Cut Federal Vaccine Oversight
California Takes a Drastic Step in Vaccine Policy – What Parents and Healthcare Professionals Need to Know
On Friday, September 12th, 2025, the California Legislature passed AB 144, now on Governor Newsom’s desk. The bill was pushed through in the final days of session as a budget bill with almost no opportunity for public comment, a classic “gut-and-amend” maneuver.
AB 144 introduces significant changes to how vaccine requirements are determined in the state.
Key Provisions of AB 144:
Freezes Federal Vaccine Guidance: The bill locks in federal vaccine recommendations (CDC, ACIP, USPSTF, HRSA) as of January 1, 2025, effectively removing future federal updates from California law.
Removes ACIP References and Grants Sole Authority to CDPH: AB 144 removes references to ACIP and gives the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) sole authority to decide which vaccines and preventive services are required. CDPH is directed to consider advice from professional groups such as the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), but it is no longer bound to follow CDC or ACIP guidance.
State Oversight of Medical Exemptions: CDPH is required to identify medical exemption forms that do not meet applicable AAP criteria for appropriate medical exemptions. The Department gains broad authority to review and potentially revoke exemptions that do not meet the frozen January 1, 2025 criteria—or any stricter standards it adopts.
Exempts from Administrative Rules: For administering these powers, CDPH and the California Health and Human Services Agency appeals process are exempt from the rulemaking and administrative adjudication provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act, allowing the Department to act without public notice-and-comment procedures.
CDPH Control Over Licensing and Administration: Licensed healthcare providers must follow CDPH guidance rather than ACIP recommendations when prescribing or administering immunizations.
Why This Matters:
This legislation represents a fundamental shift in how vaccine requirements are established in California. By removing federal guidance and centralizing decision-making within a single state agency, AB 144 reduces transparency and public participation in the policy making process. For families and healthcare professionals advocating for medical freedom and informed consent, this bill poses a direct challenge to parental choice and physician discretion.
Call to Action
Contact Governor Newsom Today.
Urge him to veto AB 144 before the October 12 deadline.
Governor’s Office: (916) 445-2841
Submit comments online: https://www.gov.ca.gov/contact/Spread the Word.
Share this post, tag your legislators, and use the hashtag #ProtectChoice #InformedConsentStay Engaged.
SB 144 will return in the 2026 session. Sign up for our alerts at www.informedpolicyadvocates.org to track every development.
Bottom Line:
California is poised to cut the CDC and ACIP out of the decision-making process and give one state agency sweeping control over vaccine mandates and exemptions.
If you value medical freedom and informed consent, now is the time to speak up.
#MedicalFreedom #InformedConsent #ProtectMedicalFreedom #CABills #ParentalRights