Representative introduces RS 33,132 to expand and clarify Idaho 'medical freedom' provisions

Representative Rob Bieswanger told the House Health and Welfare Committee he was introducing RS 33,132, which he described as an "expanded medical freedom bill" intended to clean up and extend changes made last year. "This kind of expands what we did last year," he said, and outlined provisions that would clarify school and daycare immunization language and make an immunization registry voluntary so "people can opt in if they want to, but they won't be required."

Bieswanger said the draft adds local-preemption language to prevent city or county rules from conflicting with the Medical Freedom Act enacted last year and includes travel exceptions to avoid penalizing employers when international travel requires a vaccine or medication. During committee discussion Representative Ekberg raised concerns about employment-related medical-document requests, noting that federal and state laws such as FMLA and the ADA sometimes require medical documentation for employees. "As an employment lawyer... there are a lot of instances where state or federal law require you to get medical documents," Ekberg said, and asked how the bill would reconcile that requirement with the new language.

Bieswanger responded that he would work with members and staff to resolve potential conflicts before the bill advances. The committee voted to introduce RS 33,132 by voice vote; the motion carried.