Michigan children in foster care deserve safe, loving, and stable homes. Yet a shortage of qualified foster families persists across the state. House Bill 5990 offers a practical solution by removing unnecessary vaccine-related barriers for prospective foster parents.

What HB 5990 Does:

• Prohibits the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) from requiring prospective foster family members to receive vaccines as a condition of licensure.
• Ensures that medical statements submitted to MDHHS do not include vaccine records.
• Focuses licensing decisions on a family’s ability to provide a safe, nurturing environment rather than their personal medical choices.

What HB 5990 Does NOT Do:

• It does not prohibit or discourage vaccination.
• It does not change any vaccine recommendations or schedules.
• It does not affect requirements for vaccinating foster children themselves.
• It does not alter other foster care licensing standards related to health, safety, or background checks.

This targeted legislation simply protects medical freedom and expands the pool of caring families willing to open their homes to vulnerable children.Why This Matters Qualified families should not be disqualified from fostering due to their personal healthcare decisions. Removing this barrier helps address Michigan’s foster care placement challenges without compromising child safety.

Take Action Today  click below to Contact your State Representative and urge them to SUPPORT HB 5990.