Access, Not Barriers: Why SB 1377 Is Needed Now.
No Child Should Be Excluded from School!
Restore Physician Judgment. Protect Access. Maintain Safeguards.
California’s current medical exemption system has become increasingly rigid, making it harder for families to obtain necessary exemptions and creating real barriers to both healthcare and education. Since changes were implemented in 2019, some families have faced growing difficulty accessing medically appropriate exemptions, while increased scrutiny has discouraged physicians from issuing them, even when warranted.
SB 1377 restores a balanced approach by reinforcing physician led, individualized decision making while protecting access to education for students with legitimate medical needs.
Students with legitimate medical needs should not be denied access to school. Physicians should be trusted to make individualized medical decisions. Public health policy should reflect a balanced approach that includes reasonable flexibility alongside appropriate safeguards.
Key Protections:
✔ Restores Physician Authority
Allows licensed physicians to determine when a medical exemption is necessary
✔ Protects Access to Education
Helps ensure students are not excluded from school due to medical needs
✔ Maintains Safeguards Against Fraud
Allows exemptions to be challenged through a clear legal standard
✔ Reduces Barriers to Care
Encourages appropriate, patient-centered medical decisions
✔ Prevents Discrimination in Care
Protects patients from denial of medically necessary services
How the SB 1377 Works:
Returns to a physician-led exemption process
Allows parents to submit physician documentation directly to schools
Limits state override of exemptions except in cases of proven fraud
Protects physicians from arbitrary penalties unrelated to misconduct
Ensures patients are not denied care based on exemption status
Take Action
Tell your legislator: Vote YES on SB 1377
Support a balanced approach that protects students, respects medical expertise, and maintains accountability. Hearing is set for April 15th, 2026 at 1021 O Street, Room 1200 in the Senate Health Committee at 1:30pm.
Ways to submit your support for this bill.
Click on our Action Campaign link to send your support for SB 1377 to legislators.
Submit an official signed letter of support to the legislative portal. If submitted by the deadline (7 days prior to hearing date), it can be included in the committee bill analysis.
Click on our Action Campaign link to email and post your support to legislators.
Submit an official signed letter of support to the legislative portal. If submitted by the deadline (7 days prior to hearing date), it can be included in the committee bill analysis.
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LEGISLATIVE PORTAL INSTRUCTIONS
ORGANIZATIONS:
Letters of support or opposition should be submitted to the Advocacy Portal by 5:00 p.m. seven calendar days prior to a scheduled bill hearing. Letters received after that deadline may not be reflected in the Committee analysis.
Letters from organizations must be on letterhead with signature and title of an official of the organization or designated representative.
Coalition letters must have logos, signatures, and titles for all organizations.
Letters of conditional support from organizations will not be listed on the analysis.
Letters from organizations must clearly indicate position (letters containing "concern" may not be listed).
Submit letters only once unless bill is subsequently amended causing uncertainty as to the organization's present position.
INDIVIDUALS:
After completing a one-time registration to obtain a username and password, log in to submit your position letter as a registered lobbyist, organization or individual seeking to communicate your views to the bill author’s staff as well as the committee that will be hearing the bill.
Select measure type, measure number and Session Type.
Click on the “Search” button.
Select the appropriate Committee.
Select Your Stance.
Input note message in the note box.
Complete the Captcha and select the “Submit” button.
Email: SHEA.Committee@senate.ca.gov
Now is the time to act. Support SB 1377 by submitting your position through the legislative advocacy portal and by using our one click action campaign to quickly send your support to legislators. Every voice matters in ensuring students are protected, physicians are respected, and California adopts a more balanced and effective approach.