House Bill No. [insert bill number] aims to prohibit the administration of gene-based vaccines to animals in Montana and restricts the importation of animals that have been treated with or exposed to such vaccines. The bill amends several sections of the Montana Code Annotated (MCA), specifically Sections 37-18-102, 37-18-104, 37-18-804, and 81-2-703. Key provisions include a new prohibition against veterinarians dispensing any gene-based vaccines, which encompasses messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) vaccines, modified mRNA vaccines, self-amplifying mRNA vaccines, and deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) vaccines. Violators of this provision would be guilty of a misdemeanor and subject to a $500 fine for each incident, with fines directed to the animal health enterprise fund.

Additionally, the bill stipulates that animals, animal semen, and animal biologics treated with or exposed to gene-based vaccines cannot be imported into Montana. It also includes amendments to clarify the definitions and exemptions related to veterinary practices and the handling of veterinary prescription drugs. The bill reflects concerns regarding the long-term safety of gene-based vaccines for animals and the potential health implications for humans consuming products from vaccinated animals.

Statutes affected:
HB0418_1(1): 37-18-102, 37-18-104, 37-18-804, 81-2-703
HB0418_1(2): 37-18-102, 37-18-104, 37-18-804, 81-2-703
HB0418_1(3): 37-18-102, 37-18-104, 37-18-804, 81-2-703
HB0418_1: 37-18-102, 37-18-104, 37-18-804, 81-2-703