FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 4, 2025
BOISE, ID, Senator Brandon Shippy has introduced S1036, a bill that places a ten-year moratorium on the administration of gene therapy products for infectious disease indications. The bill is named after Doug Cameron, an Idaho rancher who suffered injuries from the COVID-19 vaccine.
“With S1036, we are taking a responsible approach to pause the use of experimental gene therapy shots while we further assess their long-term safety and effectiveness,” said Senator Shippy. He stated, “The people of Idaho deserve full transparency and accountability when it comes to medical products being promoted for widespread use.”
Addressing Public Health and Safety Concerns
Genetic therapies, including COVID-19 vaccines, have been understudied, over-administered, and linked to a significant number of deaths and disabilities. Despite growing concerns, these products remain on the market with no liability for manufacturers or administrators, leaving injured individuals with no fair recourse for compensation.
According to data from the CDC’s Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) as of December 27, 2024:
National Reports: 1,022,221 total adverse event reports:
- 19,176 deaths
- 18,686 permanently disabled
- 90,793 hospitalizations
- 2,071 miscarriages
- 9,512 heart attacks
- 5,326 cases of myocarditis/pericarditis
Idaho-Specific Reports: 4,667 total adverse event reports
- 34 deaths
- 105 life-threatening reactions
- 108 permanently disabled
- 37 myocarditis cases
- 5 miscarriages
“These numbers are alarming, and they likely represent only a fraction of the actual injuries, given that VAERS is known to be vastly underreported,” said Senator Shippy. He stated, “A temporary halt will allow us to take a hard look at the real impact of these shots and ensure Idahoans are not being subjected to unnecessary risk.”
What S1036 Does (and Doesn’t) Do
S1036 does NOT apply to gene therapy products used for cancer or genetic disorder treatments. Instead, it aligns Idaho law more closely with the FDA’s definition of gene therapy while removing the FDA’s exemption for vaccines as found in their guidance footnotes. This bill only applies to gene therapy for infectious disease indications (immunizations) and ensures that Idaho’s health policies reflect caution and accountability.
Growing Scientific Concerns
More than 3,500 peer-reviewed studies have linked gene therapy-based COVID-19 shots to serious adverse effects, including: Cardiovascular and clotting disorders, neurological and autoimmune conditions, potential genetic integration and long-term unknown risks such as increased cancer risks and prion diseases.
“This is not about politics but doing things the Idaho way; it’s about protecting Idahoans from unnecessary medical harm from contaminated or harmful products,” said Senator Shippy. He stated, “We have an obligation to put the safety of our citizens first, and this bill takes a measured, responsible approach to doing exactly that.”
Next Steps
S1036 is being scheduled for legislative consideration in the coming weeks. Testimony for and against the bill is expected to bring critical truths and scientific evidence into the public forum.
Senator Shippy urges Idahoans to contact their legislators and support S1036 to ensure public safety and medical freedom remain top priorities.
For More Information:
Bill Text & Status: https://legislature.idaho.gov/sessioninfo/2025/legislation/S1036/
Vaccine Injury Data: https://www.openvaers.com/
Scientific Research & Testimonies: https://react19.org/science
Idaho County Commissioners Statement on Gene Therapy Shots: https://eolson47.substack.com/p/idaho-county-commissioners-advise
### MEDIA CONTACT:
Senator Brandon Shippy
District 9
Email: BShippy@senate.idaho.gov
About Brandon Shippy
Brandon Shippy is an Idaho State Senator. He is the owner of Shippy Sprinkler, a deacon in his church, and lives with his wife Rakel and three children in New Plymouth.
