A Florida state senator, Senator Clay Yarborough, plans to file legislation during special session to allow parents to claim a "conscience exemption" or personal reasons to opt out of required school vaccines for their children. The Medical Freedom Act would expand these exemptions to include personal or moral reasons. It would also authorize the sale of ivermectin without a prescription as a behind-the-counter medication and make Florida's existing ban on discrimination based on a person's vaccination status permanent. Governor Ron DeSantis addressed the bill at a news conference in Jacksonville on March 13. Local parents are divided on the proposed expansion, with some supporting personal decision-making but expressing concern about the public health implications of a conscience exemption in a public space.