Green Liberty Caucus Oregon Chapter is in solidarity with opposition to SB 1598; it opens a dangerous door to medical mandates.
Children’s Health Defense Oregon sent out this action alert. Green Liberty supports this call to action. Take action now.
FROM CHD: posted here GLC 2/25/26
UPDATED CALL TO ACTION ALERT!!
MEDICAL FREEDOM AT RISK!!!
Oregon’s SB1598 not only OPENS A DANGEROUS DOOR TO MEDICAL MANDATES, it also hands unprecedented power to one unelected bureaucrat and guarantees profits for pharmaceutical corporations at the expense of taxpayers, patients, and true medical transparency.
Now is the moment to SPEAK UP! The voices of rational, concerned Oregonians must be heard before this bill moves one inch further.
SB1598 had its public hearing with the House of Representatives Committee on Health Care today, and we are so grateful to those opposed who were able to testify and who uploaded testimony!
THERE IS STILL TIME to submit public testimony to the committee and to email the committee members (details on how to do that further down). This is especially important now!
IMPORTANT UPDATE on the “may not/shall not” loophole language: Nothing is more important to us than giving you accurate, transparent information. To start from the beginning, section 2(8) of the bill reads “A standing order issued under this section may not require a person to receive, use or administer a drug or device or withhold a drug or device from a person.”
We retracted our initial concern about that wording after seeing that the handbook used by people who draft the bills instructs them to use “may not” instead of “shall not” and that those terms are “equivalent.”
However, after consulting with another attorney, we learned that “equivalent” is not the same as “identical.” An “equivalent” term is weaker and DOES OPEN A DANGEROUS LOOPHOLE where they could create medical mandates.
So again, this bill is VERY DANGEROUS to informed consent!
We are hoping that Representative Ed Diehl, who is Vice-Chair of the Committee, will get an amendment drafted tomorrow (Weds 2/25) to change the wording from “may not” to “shall not.” Give his office a call or email to let him know you support him doing that!
Also, let’s pack the written testimony with our opposition like we did on the Senate side!
https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2026R1/Testimony/HHC/SB/1598/2026-02-24-15-00?area=Measures
TALKING POINTS:
- EXPOSE THE CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
SB1598 would force insurers to cover any vaccine or service recommended by a single Public Health Officer — an unelected appointee following the lead of organizations like the American Academy of Pediatrics, which receives funding from vaccine manufacturers.
When corporations fund the gatekeepers of “guidance,” neutrality vanishes. These conflicts of interest corrupt science, steer policy toward profit, and erode public trust.
We demand science free from corporate capture — science that serves people, not profits. - HOLD THEM ACCOUNTABLE: Who Really Pays
They say this bill will have no fiscal impact. But it really requires ALL OF US TO PAY!
When insurers must fully cover high-priced vaccines ($100 to several hundred dollars each), those expenses don’t disappear; they’re simply shifted onto:
- Taxpayers, through the Oregon Health Plan, and
- Families, through higher insurance premiums.
The pharmaceutical industry gets guaranteed profits, while ordinary Oregonians foot the bill.
- Say NO to Monarchial Power
SB1598 gives sweeping authority to a single unelected official to decide what products insurers must cover — without legislative oversight, public debate, or accountability.
One person could unilaterally trigger millions in new spending and shape statewide medical policy.
That level of authority does not belong in Oregon; it belongs in a monarchy. - CLOSE THE DANGEROUS LANGUAGE LOOPHOLE
The bill’s sponsors claim its wording protects choice because it says a standing order “may not” require a drug or device. But legal precedent makes clear:
“May not” and “shall not” are “equivalent,” not “identical,” even according to Oregon’s own Bill Drafting Manual. “Equivalent” is not strong enough to stop a mandate.
That single difference creates a loophole wide enough to drive a mandate through.
If lawmakers TRULY intend to protect informed consent and bodily autonomy, they can prove it — by changing “may not” to “shall not.” ACT NOW!
This is where you step in. Every Oregonian’s choice, freedom, and wallet are on the line.
Here’s how you can make a real difference: - Write and Upload Your Testimony — Tell the House Committee on Health Care your personal reasons for opposing SB1598.
◦ Keep it clear: emphasize medical freedom, fiscal responsibility, and accountability. Feel free to use our talking points.
◦ Upload your written testimony here: https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2026R1/Testimony/HHC/SB/1598/2026-02-24-15-00?area=Measures - Email Committee Members Directly — Demand they reject SB1598 unless it includes:
◦ Full transparency about funding and influence;
◦ A balanced decision-making process with legislative oversight;
The language change from “may not” to “shall not.”
Here are all the committee members’ email addresses, ready to copy/paste into your email:
rep.robnosse@oregonlegislature.gov,
Rep.EdDiehl@oregonlegislature.gov,
Rep.TravisNelson@oregonlegislature.gov,
Rep.DarinHarbick@oregonlegislature.gov,
Rep.CyrusJavadi@oregonlegislature.gov,
Rep.EmilyMcIntire@oregonlegislature.gov,
Rep.LeslyMunoz@oregonlegislature.gov,
Rep.HaiPham@oregonlegislature.gov
- Spread the Word — Share this call to action with everyone you know!
This legislative short session is moving fast and furious, so expect another CTA at the end of this week, before this bill hits the House floor for a vote of all the Representatives