Senate Bill No. [insert bill number] 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 compensatory damages. Additionally, the bill amends existing laws to clarify the process for obtaining religious and medical exemptions, replacing the requirement for an affidavit with a signed statement or letter for religious exemptions, and introducing a new informed consent exemption.

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 for these reasons. It clarifies that health care facilities can inquire about vaccination status for safety measures but cannot discriminate based on that status. Furthermore, it specifies that individuals cannot be required to receive vaccines authorized for emergency use or undergoing safety trials. The bill is set to take effect immediately upon passage and approval.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 20-5-405, 49-2-312
SB0382_1(1): 20-5-405, 49-2-312
SB0382_1(2): 20-5-405, 49-2-312
SB0382_1(3): 20-5-405, 49-2-312
SB0382_1: 20-5-405, 49-2-312