Dear PERK Families and Friends,
For years, California parents have asked a simple question: What do the data actually say about medical exemptions? Since SB 276 moved medical exemption decisions away from families and their doctors, that question has gone mostly unanswered in Sacramento.
That changes on Thursday, November 12. The California Senate Committee on Health will hold an informational hearing titled “Medical Exemptions for Immunization Requirements: What Do the Data Say?”
This is a real victory for parental choice, doctors, and for every family that has spent years trying to be heard.
Who Secured the Hearing, and Why It Matters
We want to give credit where it’s due. This hearing was secured by the author, co-authors, and sponsor of SB 1377: PERK, Senator Jones, Senator Cortese, and Senator Allen, with special thanks to Senator Jones for his dedicated leadership and tenacity to make sure this hearing was secured.
When legislators from different parts of the state come together to make sure families’ concerns get a formal hearing, that matters. It shows that parental rights and informed consent are not fringe concerns. They are questions that deserve real data and a public record.
Watch our video explain the victory and who made this hearing happen, why it matters, and the powerful message from our Senators fighting for you.
Watch on Instagram
In Their Own Words
Senators Jones and Cortese gave PERK official statements for our press release:
See the full statements on Instagram
Hearing Details
When: Thursday, November 12, 2026, at 10:00 a.m.
Where: County Administration Center, 1600 Pacific Highway, Room 327, San Diego, CA 92101
Sign up to attend: bit.ly/CAhearing
The hearing agenda is set by the committee, not by us. A full room of parents, doctors, and organizations, still sends a clear message. Please come, bring a friend, and be ready for any public comment period that’s offered. We will provide further instructions on what to say and best messaging points.
Join Us After: Health Freedom Rising Rally
Right after the hearing, PERK is hosting Health Freedom Rising, a rally bringing together families, experts, and advocates. Speakers include:
Amy Reichart
Dr. Joel “Gator” Warsh
Amy Bohn
Aimee Rickabus
And more Dr.’s, Leaders, and Activists to be announced soon
The outdoor location and permits are finalized, so watch your inbox and our Instagram for updates.
A Personal Ask
Your support is what lets PERK show up when families need a voice. To make November 12 count, we need help covering:
Speaker travel
Sound equipment
Event logistics
Outreach to families across the state
Every gift helps us move quickly and organize well, whether it’s $10, $100, $1,000, $2,500, $5,000, or another amount.
Donate to Support Health Freedom Rising →
If you’d like to help in other ways, reply to this email and the PERK team will coordinate next steps.
See You in San Diego
Parents, not the state, are the ones who know their children best. On November 12, we have the chance to make sure California’s lawmakers hear the data and hear from the families living with these decisions.
Thank you for standing with PERK and the families we serve. We did this together, and we’re just getting started.
With gratitude,
Amy Bohn
President, Co-Founder, PERK
Will you be attending? Sign Up to Attend
An informational hearing is set for November 12 in San Diego. Here’s how we got here, and how you can stand with California families.