state laws

Among the most notable measures signed was the Vax Act (HB 637/SB 385), which separates Maryland's vaccine guidance from federal directives. The law grants the Maryland Department of Health Secretary new authority to issue independent recommendations for immunizations, screenings, and preventive health services drawing from trusted medical bodies like the American Academy of Pediatrics rather than defaulting to federal agencies. The move is a direct response to recent federal rollbacks of vaccine recommendations under the current administration.

The Maryland Academy of Family Physicians played a meaningful role in bringing this legislation to life. MDAFP member and past president Dr. Amar Duggirala testified twice in support of the Vax Act before the General Assembly.

State-level voting rights acts were put forth in Louisiana, Alabama and Mississippi. That is not unintentional, said Anneshia Hardy, executive director of Alabama Values, before the decision.

“If section 2 gets weakened, you’re going to see a shift towards a lot of state-level strategies,” Hardy said. “You’re going to see more localized litigation, deepened investment in on-the-ground organizing. We’re realising that when federal protections are narrowed or become less reliable, which they have, unfortunately, the fight doesn’t stop. It ultimately relocates.

This landmark moment reflects years of tireless advocacy by legislative champions and state advocates, including the incredible work of Repro Rising Virginia and the National Latina Institute for Reproductive Justice. Earlier versions of the bill were passed by the state legislature but vetoed by the previous governor. The National Health Law Program (NHeLP) is proud to have provided significant technical assistance throughout this multi-year effort and is ready to work with the state on implementation of the law.