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Rep. Mark Higley outlines bill to prohibit coercion in medical decisions, including private right of action language
Summary
Representative Mark Higley presented a bill to recognize and protect individual bodily autonomy in medical decisions; committee members discussed a private right of action provision and potential effects on public‑safety or venue policies.
Representative Mark Higley told the committee his bill would recognize and protect individuals’ right to bodily autonomy and to accept or refuse medical interventions, testing, treatment or vaccines based on religious, conscientious or personal beliefs.
Higley described a new subsection to clarify parental decision‑making for minors and said the measure aims to restore protections he believes were removed previously. Committee members flagged an enforcement section starting on page 3, line 15 that appears to allow individuals to bring suit in superior court; Higley asked legislative counsel for clarification. Members also discussed language in the draft that prohibits coercion and “imposing conditions” on employment, travel, education, benefits or participation in activities based on refusal of a medical intervention. One committee member noted that language could affect policies that require vaccinations for entry into certain venues.
Higley said related bills address employment purposes and that he has another bill on that topic. The committee did not take action on the bill during the session; members suggested further legal review and stakeholder testimony before any vote.
