MMA Priority Legislation to Remove Barriers to Vaccines Receives First Committee Hearing

March 12, 2026

MMA President Lisa Mattson, MD, testified in support of SF 3859 (Klein, DFL – Mendota Heights) before the Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee on March 10. The bill strengthens access to routine immunizations by ensuring comprehensive insurance coverage and removing out-of-pocket costs that can delay or prevent vaccination. 

The legislation would also create a Minnesota Science-Based Vaccine Advisory Council made up of physicians, other health professionals, and stakeholders. The group would develop recommended schedules of vaccines for adults, infants, children, and adolescents in Minnesota. 

Mattson emphasized that Minnesota is seeing declining vaccination rates, with the state’s kindergarten MMR rate falling below the 95% level needed for community immunity, according to Minnesota Department of Health data. 

“I want to make it clear,” Mattson said. “Vaccines are safe. They are one of the safest, most effective, and most cost-efficient tools we have in modern medicine. When vaccination rates fall, as we’ve seen in recent years, schools, workplaces, and healthcare systems all become less safe, less stable, and vulnerable to outbreaks of preventable disease.” 

Along with other medical associations, the MMA argued that SF 3859 would be a practical step forward to improve vaccine uptake, protect communities, and reduce long-term healthcare costs by preventing disease before outbreaks occur. 

The bill was passed out of committee and referred to Senate Health and Human Services. The bill has not been heard in the Minnesota House yet.