To track and analyze the spread of anti-science legislation, The Associated Press examined more than 1,000 bills that had been introduced in states across the nation. Reporters identified the bills using the bill-tracking software Plural and a database maintained by the National Conference of State Legislatures.
AP focused on bills related to vaccines, fluoride and raw, unpasteurized milk, and analyzed each bill for whether it undermined science-based protections for human health. Reporters also examined national advocacy groups connected to U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., capturing bills they supported or opposed and any reasoning they provided for doing so.
Only bills that had legislative action in 2025 were included. AP did not include overarching budge