summary
Introduced
02/06/2026
02/06/2026
In Committee
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2025-2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
AN ACT To amend Chapter 12 of Title 31 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to control of hazardous conditions, preventable diseases, and metabolic disorders, so as to repeal the authority of the Department of Public Health and all county boards of health to require persons to submit to vaccinations against or other measures to prevent contagious or infectious diseases; to repeal authorities and related provisions; to prohibit state or local government entities from requiring individuals to submit to vaccinations or to prove postinfection recovery as a condition for certain actions; to prohibit state or local government entities from issuing immunization passports or the like or proof of postinfection recovery for the purpose of certifying the health status of an individual; to prohibit state or local government entities from requiring face masks or other facial coverings to minimize the spread of contagious or infectious diseases; to prohibit certain entities or individuals doing business in this state from requiring patrons or customers to provide any documentation certifying vaccination or postinfection recovery or to wear a mask or other facial covering in order to gain entry to a business or to receive goods or services; to provide for related matters; to provide a short title; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.
AI Summary
This bill, titled the "Medical Freedom Act," aims to significantly restrict the ability of state and local government entities in Georgia, as well as certain businesses, to mandate health-related requirements. Specifically, it repeals the authority of the Department of Public Health and county boards of health to require vaccinations or other measures to prevent contagious or infectious diseases. The bill prohibits any state or local government entity from requiring individuals to get vaccinated or prove they have recovered from an infection as a condition for accessing government services, employment, educational institutions, transportation, healthcare facilities, or places of business and entertainment. Furthermore, it forbids these entities from issuing "immunization passports" or similar documents to certify an individual's health status and prohibits them from requiring people to wear face masks or other facial coverings to prevent the spread of diseases. Finally, the bill prevents businesses operating in Georgia from requiring customers to show proof of vaccination or post-infection recovery, or to wear masks, as a condition for entry or receiving goods and services.
Committee Categories
Health and Social Services
Sponsors (5)
Charlice Byrd (R)*,
Mitchell Horner (R)*,
Noelle Kahaian (R)*,
Karen Mathiak (R)*,
Jordan Ridley (R)*,
Last Action
House Second Readers (on 02/10/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
Loading...
bill summary
Loading...
bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/72971 |
| BillText | https://www.legis.ga.gov/api/legislation/document/20252026/241873 |
Loading...