Last week we updated you on the enactment of Idaho’s Medical Freedom Act, SB210 which passed on April 4. This week we offer an update on four other new Right to Refuse bills that have passed in 2025. Idaho leads the way with two more bills, one denying the World Health Organization jurisdiction in the state and one prohibiting mask mandates. In Utah legislation passed defining a food with vaccine material as a drug, and Tennessee passed the Restore Trust in Public Health Messaging Act.

No World Health Organization mandates to be enforced

Idaho SB1038: Public and quasi-public entities shall not be compelled to enforce, or collaborate with enforcement of any World Health Organization mandates. Such mandates shall have no force in the state. Signed by Governor on March 14. Similar laws have passed around the USA, including Louisiana’s SB133 and Oklahoma’s SB426. These latter bills include the WHO, the UN, and the World Economic Forum as entities that have no jurisdiction. Arkansas’ HB1791 would deny jurisdiction to the WHO and the UN, and it is still pending.

It is not entirely clear how courts would rule on states’ ability to limit the reach of international bodies which the USA is part of, but these laws demonstrate creativity and determination on the part of states to maintain their freedom.

No face mask mandates

Idaho SB32: State entities may not mandate the use of face masks, face shields, or other face coverings as a means to prevent or slow the spread of contagious or infectious disease. Signed by Governor on March 4. This follows other state bills that have passed protecting us against forced masking, including Iowa’s HF847 (masking in schools), Texas’ SB29 (masking for COVID-19), and Utah’s HB1007.

Unlike the World Health Organization bills, protection from forced face masking falls squarely in the purview of state government police powers, so these bills are on solid legal grounds.

Food with vaccine material is a drug

Utah HB84: A food intended for human consumption that intentionally contains a vaccine or vaccine material is considered a drug for purposes of the Utah Controlled Substances Act. Signed by Governor March 26. Similar bills are now pending including Alabama’s HB316 and Arkansas’ SB255.

HB84’s redesignation of a food product as a drug has broad implications, from requiring such products to be labelled and placed in the pharmacy section of a store, to increased scrutiny of the safety of such products.

Restore Trust in Public Health Messaging Act

Tennessee HB1157/SB1031: Prohibits state entities or employees from directly or indirectly promoting, or funding the promotion of an FDA-regulated vaccine, mask, or EUA product in a way that does not accurately reflect the FDA-approved label. Health Commissioner to establish a review process and to submit an annual report to include any violations. Punishment of public employees may include termination. Violations by entities that receive state funds are subject to a minimum $50,000 fine. Other provisions. Signed by Governor March 28. In Washington SB5781 is pending, and this bill also seeks to limit pharmaceutical promotion to the same terms as those specified in FDA labeling.

Tennessee’s new law is motivated by regular efforts to overstate, e.g., the COVID-19 vaccine’s efficacy in preventing transmission or offering sterilizing immunity.

These four new laws re-emphasize that there are many ways to protect our health freedom. If you want help to pass similar laws in your state, please reach out to NHFA to work with our attorneys and our lobbying expert!