Dear Colorado homeschool families,

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) is attempting to make law by changing their rules and forcing the usage of the “department’s standard” immunization exemption forms. (The legislature has repeatedly refused to require the use of CDPHE’s form.) They are giving you until August 26th to provide feedback on this attempt. Please, join us in taking action! 

Take Action:

1. Let them know that you do not approve of the proposed changes to their rules!

Click here to give them your feedback in your own words (note that filling out this form will require a two-step verification process). Here is the information to share:

• The proposed rule changes violate the separation of powers. Executive branch departments cannot make law, only the legislature can.
• The proposed rule changes mandate the usage of the “department’s standardized” non-medical exemption forms. Current law allows a parent to submit a statement of exemption if they have a religious or personal belief that opposes one or all of the required vaccines. The law does not require the usage of a department standard form and the legislature has refused to give them the authority to mandate a specific form.
• There are other ways for the CDPHE to increase the usage of their standardized form besides forcing its usage against the clear language of state statute.

Make sure to read the proposed rule change concerning the immunization exemption forms and their proposed changes to the medical exemption and non-medical exemption forms. Feedback will need to be submitted by August 26th at 5:00 pm and will not become a part of the official record.

2. Follow the rulemaking process of the State Board of Health (BOH).
After evaluating all the feedback on the draft proposal, they plan to present the finalized rule changes at the BOH meeting on September 18th and have the BOH vote on any rule changes on November 20th. Meeting details can be found here. 

In closing, here is an important reminder from George Washington’s Farewell Address:

“It is important, likewise, that the habits of thinking in a free country should inspire caution in those entrusted with its administration, to confine themselves within their respective constitutional spheres, avoiding in the exercise of the powers of one department to encroach upon another. The spirit of encroachment tends to consolidate the powers of all the departments in one, and thus to create, whatever the form of government, a real despotism.”

Thank you for standing with us for freedom for all families in Colorado!

Carolyn Martin
CHEC Homeschool Legislative Liaison