Georgia legislation · 2025-2026 Regular Session
Georgia HB1242: Medical Freedom Act; enact
Status: In committee, February 10, 2026
A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Chapter 12 of Title 31 of the O.C.G.A., 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 provide for related matters; to provide a short title; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.
What the bill says
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…
From the introduced text:
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED 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. BE IT ENACTED BY …
Sponsors
- Charlice Byrd (R, 20) · primary sponsor
- Noelle Kahaian (R, 81)
- Mitchell Horner (R, 3)
- Karen Mathiak (R, 82)
- Ridley, Jordan (R, 22)
Latest actions
- : House Second Readers
- : House First Readers
- : House Hopper
Common questions
- What is HB1242?
- HB1242 is a bill in the Georgia Legislature (2025-2026 Regular Session): Medical Freedom Act; enact.
- What does HB1242 do?
- In its own words: 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…
- What is the status of HB1242?
- In committee as of February 10, 2026. Latest action: House Second Readers (February 10, 2026).
- Who sponsored HB1242?
- Charlice Byrd (R, 20), with 4 co-sponsors.
- Where is the official record for HB1242?
- On the Georgia Legislature website: https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/72971
Source: official Georgia record. Tracked by Delilah, AI for legislation across all 50 states and Congress.