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 prescribing or 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 prohibition 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 establishes that animals, animal semen, and animal biologics treated with or exposed to gene-based vaccines cannot be imported into Montana. It also clarifies that veterinary retail facilities and pharmacists are prohibited from dispensing gene-based vaccines for use in animals. The amendments aim to address concerns regarding the long-term safety of gene-based vaccines for animal health and the potential implications for human health through the consumption of animal products.

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