As measles cases climb nationwide and vaccination rates fall, Minnesota DFL lawmakers are drawing a hard line—proposing legislation to eliminate the state’s conscientious exemption for the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine.
New legislation would remove conscientious objection
A House bill introduced by Rep. Mike Freiberg, DFL–Golden Valley, and its Senate counterpart led by Sen. Liz Boldon, DFL–Rochester, would require MMR vaccination for children attending childcare facilities, schools, and homeschools—removing the option for parents to opt out due to conscientiously held beliefs. Medical exemptions would remain in place.
Currently, Minnesota allows exemptions from school immunization requirements for medical and conscientious reasons. If passed, the new requirements would take effect on Aug. 1, 2026.
The Minnesota Association of Christian Home Educators said in a recent email to families that it is closely tracking the bill, noting that it would apply to homeschool families.
“While the deadline to introduce new bills has already passed, the language in this bill could still be added as an amendment to a larger omnibus bill on either the House or Senate floor at any time,” the group said.
Sen. Eric Lucero, R-St. Michael, said he received dozens of emails and phone calls from concerned constituents within hours of the bill being introduced.
“I respect and support those who choose vaccinations just as I respect and support those who choose, for whatever reason, not to be vaccinated,” he said. “My message to our great community is I will vote against any vaccination-by-government-
Two measles cases confirmed in Minnesota so far in 2025
So far in 2025, there have been two confirmed measles cases, according to the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH).
According to the MDH website, “Most measles cases occurring in Minnesota result from someone traveling to or from countries where measles is common, and who are infectious with measles after arriving in Minnesota. Measles can spread easily to unvaccinated persons. Maintaining high immunization rates is essential to preventing measles.”
Minnesota experienced an outbreak in 2024, with 70 reported cases—the highest since 2017.
Nationally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports 884 confirmed measles cases across 30 states in 2025, with 97% occurring in unvaccinated individuals or people with an “unknown” vaccine status.
Three deaths, including two children, have been attributed to the disease this year.
Jenna Gloeb
Jenna Gloeb is an Edward R. Murrow Award-winning journalist, media producer, public speaker, and screenwriter. Most recently, she worked as a reporter and on-air host for CCX Media. Jenna is a Minnesota native and resides in the Twin Cities with her husband, son, daughter, and two dogs.
