Death Threats Prompt Increased Security For California Vaccination Bill Author

SACRAMENTO (CBS13) — Security at the state Capitol is stepped up after death threats were directed at a state Senator who proposed a bill making child vaccinations mandatory.

State Sen. Richard Pan told CBS13 he didn't ask for extra security, but Capitol Police believe it was the best way to react to the situation.

Pan says he's received serious threats because of his proposed legislation, which will get another committee hearing on Wednesday.

"I think this is another effort at exaggeration and intimidation we've seen," he said.

But now the intimidation over his controversial vaccine bill has reached a new level as threats have been leveled against Pan on his Facebook page. Some of them reportedly included "eradicating" Pan and pictures that depict him as a Nazi. Those threats have since been erased.

But not all parents are as aggressive. Some, like Christine Lutz and her husband, believe Senate Bill 277 threatens her family's rights.

"There's a lot of money riding on this and i'm sure money has a lot to do with it," she said.

Christine's 4-year-old daughter Kaylie has never had a shot. She says a Rubella vaccine caused her to contract a serious autoimmune disease and believes her kids are at risk.

"Because of my health, I can't just go homeschool," she said.

Instead, they've begun exploring schools in Ohio where not vaccinating wouldn't be an issue.

"I wouldn't risk that on my worst enemy let alone my children," she said.

But not all parents who use the current personal belief exemption as so-called "anti-vaxxers."

Lisa Bakschi's children are selectively vaccinated under the guidance of their pediatrician.

"There's a strong history of autoimmune disorder with my son," she said.

If she doesn't fully vaccinate, SB277 would mean she'd be forced to homeschool.

"The only thing this bill does is rob children of their fundamental right to a public education," she said.