The Crisis
Texas is experiencing its worst measles outbreak in 30 years. 505 cases since late January, with 57 hospitalizations and 2 child deaths. The epicenter is West Texas, particularly Gaines County, where only 82% of kindergartners are vaccinated against MMR. Measles was declared eliminated in the U.S. in 2000, but it is now resurging.
Outbreak Stats
- 505 total cases since late January.
- 351 cases among children under 18.
- 57 hospitalized.
- 2 children dead, neither vaccinated nor with prior health conditions.
Legislative Push
Despite a growing measles outbreak, Texas lawmakers are advancing legislation aimed at weakening vaccine mandates under the banner of “vaccine choice.” The proposed bills seek to make it easier for parents to obtain exemptions by allowing exemption forms to be accessed online, expanding exemptions for health care workers, and requiring health providers to report vaccine “adverse events.” Additionally, some measures include a “parental bill of rights” that would explicitly allow parents to opt their children out of immunization requirements.
Key Lawmakers Involved
- Rep. David Spiller (R-Jacksboro): Supports parental choice.
- Rep. Pat Curry (R-Waco): Introduced bill to ease exemption access.
- Rep. Gary VanDeaver (R-New Boston): Public Health Committee Chair — supports the MMR vaccine but also exemption rights.
- Sen. Kevin Sparks & Sen. Charles Perry: Represent outbreak regions, sponsored/introduced exemption bills, but haven’t publicly commented on the outbreak.
- Speaker Dustin Burrows & Rep. Ken King: Represent areas with the highest case counts — also silent on mandate rollbacks.
Opposition & Public Health Response
Democratic lawmakers and public health experts warn that efforts to roll back vaccine mandates are putting children’s lives at risk. Rep. John Bucy (D-Austin) criticized state leadership for failing to take decisive action, arguing that political hesitation has allowed the outbreak to worsen. Rep. Ann Johnson (D-Houston) went further, calling the situation “adult manipulation for politics that’s killing kids.” Terri Burke, executive director of The Immunization Partnership, also expressed frustration, pointing to the lack of strong leadership or urgency in responding to the growing public health crisis.
Advocacy Groups
Advocacy groups like Texans for Vaccine Choice remain undeterred by the outbreak, continuing to push for expanded exemption access. Michelle Evans, the group’s political director, said the measles surge hasn’t slowed their momentum or affected lawmakers’ support. She framed the issue as one of civil liberties, not just public health, emphasizing the group’s goal of making the exemption process more “respectful and expeditious” for parents who choose not to vaccinate their children.
Credits: The Texas Tribune
