This bill revises the laws related to immunization requirements for schools and child care centers in Montana. It mandates that individuals seeking a religious exemption from immunization must complete an immunization education program provided by the Department of Public Health and Human Services. This program must include information on immunization-preventable illnesses, recommendations for reducing transmission risks, and a certificate of completion. Additionally, the bill allows private schools and child-care providers to decline enrollment of unvaccinated students or children if they have a sincere religious belief against nonmedical exemptions to immunization.

The bill amends Section 20-5-405 of the Montana Code Annotated to include new requirements for obtaining a religious exemption, such as completing the immunization education and submitting a notarized affidavit. It also establishes a public list of child-care providers and private schools that hold a sincere religious belief in immunization as a community health measure. Furthermore, the bill appropriates $15,000 from the general fund for the implementation of these provisions. The act is set to take effect on June 1, 2024, with certain sections becoming effective on July 1, 2023.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 20-5-405