The proposed bill 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. It introduces new legal language that defines gene-based vaccines, including messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) vaccines, modified mRNA vaccines, self-amplifying mRNA vaccines, and deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) vaccines. Additionally, the bill establishes penalties for violations, classifying them as misdemeanors with fines of $500 for each incident, which will be deposited into the animal health enterprise fund.

The bill also amends several sections of the Montana Code Annotated (MCA) to reflect these prohibitions. Specifically, it updates the definitions and regulations surrounding veterinary medicine, clarifying that veterinarians and veterinary technicians are not allowed to prescribe or dispense gene-based vaccines. Furthermore, it stipulates that animals treated with gene-based vaccines cannot be imported into the state, ensuring that animal health and public safety are prioritized.

Statutes affected:
HB0418_1(1): 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