House Bill No. [insert bill number] aims to revise the powers of local boards of health concerning isolation and quarantine orders. The bill explicitly prohibits local boards of health from requiring vaccinations or other medications as a condition for release from isolation or quarantine orders. It amends Section 50-2-116 of the Montana Code Annotated (MCA) to include new language that states a local board of health may not require a person under an isolation or quarantine order to receive any type of vaccination, medication, supplement, or other drug treatment while under such an order or as a condition of release. Additionally, the bill includes provisions that prevent local boards from compelling private businesses to deny customers access to goods or services based on compliance with health regulations.

Furthermore, the bill appropriates $300 from the general fund to the Department of Public Health and Human Services for the biennium beginning July 1, 2025, to notify local boards of health about the statutory changes introduced by this act. The effective date for the implementation of this act is also set for July 1, 2025. Overall, the bill seeks to clarify the limitations of local health authorities in enforcing health measures related to isolation and quarantine, while also ensuring that individuals are not coerced into receiving medical treatments as a condition of their freedom.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 50-2-116
HB0888_1(1): 50-2-116
HB0888_1(2): 50-2-116
HB0888_1(3): 50-2-116
HB0888_1(4): 50-2-116
HB0888_1(5): 50-2-116
HB0888_1(6): 50-2-116
HB0888_1: 50-2-116
HB0888_2(1): 50-2-116
HB0888_2(2): 50-2-116
HB0888_2(3): 50-2-116
HB0888_2(4): 50-2-116
HB0888_2(5): 50-2-116
HB0888_2(6): 50-2-116
HB0888_2: 50-2-116