Texas is experiencing its largest outbreak of the measles virus in 30 years. As of March 4, the state health agency has identified 159 cases, including 22 hospitalizations and one death. Though centered in Gaines County, cases have been identified in eight other surrounding counties in West Texas.
Meanwhile, this legislative session, lawmakers have filed nearly 50 vaccine-related bills, most focused on loosening vaccine regulations. The most extreme bills would end mandatory vaccinations altogether. House Bill 3304, filed by Representative David Lowe of North Richland Hills, would prohibit any government entity in Texas from requiring vaccines or proof of immunization. House Joint Resolution 91, filed by Representative Andy Hopper of Decatur, would enshrine the “unalienable and natural right to refuse a vaccination” into the Texas Constitution.
This type of legislation has come amid the most recent wave of anti-vaccine fervor fueled by the COVID-19 pandemic, said Rekha Lakshmanan, the chief strategy officer for The Immunization Partnership, which advocates for vaccination in Texas. She said opposition to COVID-19 vaccines has become a “gateway” to targeting other vaccines. Last session, Governor Greg Abbott signed laws that banned both government entities and private employers from requiring COVID-19 vaccines.
