Senate Bill No. [number], introduced by D. Emrich, aims to revise laws related to immunization exemptions in Montana, specifically addressing religious and informed consent exemptions. The bill mandates that various entities, including state agencies and licensed health care providers, must accept these exemptions without question. It establishes penalties for non-compliance, including the loss of state funding, and allows individuals aggrieved by violations to file complaints and seek damages. Additionally, the bill amends existing laws to clarify the process for obtaining exemptions, replacing the requirement for an affidavit with a signed statement or letter for religious exemptions, and introducing a new informed consent exemption that requires a signed statement indicating that the individual has received information about the immunizations and has chosen not to be vaccinated.

The bill also amends Section 49-2-312 to prohibit discrimination based on vaccination status or possession of an immunity passport, ensuring that individuals cannot be denied services, employment, or educational opportunities based on their vaccination status. It clarifies that health care facilities can inquire about vaccination status for safety measures but cannot discriminate against individuals based on their responses. Furthermore, the bill specifies that individuals cannot be required to receive vaccines authorized for emergency use or undergoing safety trials. The act is set to take effect immediately upon passage and approval.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 20-5-405, 49-2-312
SB0382_1: 20-5-405, 49-2-312