By Matthew Holloway |

Arizona State Representative Nick Kupper (R-LD25) has introduced a constitutional measure that would ask Arizona voters to decide whether the right to refuse medical mandates should be enshrined in the state Constitution.

Last week, Kupper filed House Concurrent Resolution 2056 (HCR 2056), which, if approved by the Legislature and later by voters, would place a proposed constitutional amendment on the ballot for the next general election.

The resolution would prohibit government entities from “mandating, requiring, coercing, or compelling an individual to accept or receive a medical product or treatment” as a condition of employment, education, access to public facilities, participation in services, or the exercise of any right or benefit.

The proposal defines coercion or compulsion to include penalties, denial of benefits, or other adverse consequences tied to refusing a medical mandate. It also includes exceptions preserving existing authorities, such as court-ordered treatment when a person poses a danger to themselves or others; parental rights in making medical decisions for minors; emergency medical care when consent cannot be obtained; lawful criminal investigations; compliance with federal law; and existing state requirements for diagnostic tests and procedures.

The text of the resolution states directly: “The right to refuse medical mandates is hereby recognized and protected as a fundamental and inherent right of every individual.”

In a statement included with the release, Kupper said the resolution is intended to give voters the opportunity to decide whether medical mandates should remain within the government’s authority. He also stated that the resolution would not prevent the state from “promoting vaccines, offering treatment, responding to emergencies, or providing care,” but said it would “draw a firm line against force and punishment.”

“Across multiple administrations and on both sides of the political divide, we have seen government officials assert sweeping authority over individual medical choices through threats to livelihoods, careers, and basic freedoms,” Kupper explained. “I nearly lost my career and Air Force retirement for refusing an unapproved medical mandate. No elected official or bureaucrat should ever have the authority to force a medical procedure on a free citizen. This resolution gives the people of Arizona the opportunity to decide for themselves whether that power should exist.”

He added, “This is about freedom and informed consent. Adults should be able to make decisions about their own bodies, and parents should have the final say for their children. That principle should not change based on who is in power or what crisis is being used to justify control.”

In a post to X, Kupper wrote, “Arizonans deserve the opportunity to decide for themselves if they want the government to continue controlling their medical decisions or if they want to reclaim their bodily autonomy.”

If HCR 2056 is approved by the Arizona Legislature, the measure would be placed on the ballot for a statewide vote at the next general election.

Matthew Holloway is a senior reporter for AZ Free News. Follow him on X for his latest stories, or email tips to Matthew@azfreenews.com.