This bill creates a new criminal offense called abortion trafficking in Montana, which prohibits individuals from transporting unborn children within or outside the state with the intent to obtain an illegal abortion. The law applies to anyone who knowingly moves a fetus for the purpose of ending a pregnancy that would be unlawful under Montana law, with penalties including fines up to $1,000 or up to five years in prison. The legislation also amends existing abortion-related penalties to clarify that mothers cannot be punished for the crime of abortion trafficking, while allowing penalties against them for other violations. The bill takes effect immediately upon passage and applies to any acts committed on or after that date.
This bill updates Montana laws governing school immunization records and reporting requirements. It requires schools to maintain written immunization and exemption records for all students while protecting these health records under federal privacy laws. The bill mandates that schools submit deidentified or aggregate immunization data to state and local health departments in a format specified by the Department of Public Health and Human Services. It also clarifies enforcement procedures for students who fail to meet immunization requirements by prohibiting their continued attendance until compliance or exemption is obtained. These changes take effect on July 1, 2025.
This bill revises Montana laws to allow dental hygienists to provide preventative services in public health facilities and school-based programs without a licensed dentist being physically present on-site. It establishes two types of supervision: general supervision where the dentist need not be on the premises, and public health supervision which permits hygienists to work independently in specific settings like federally qualified health centers and nursing homes. The legislation also creates a new limited access permit system that would allow hygienists to serve patients who face barriers to regular dental care due to age, disability, or financial constraints. Key provisions define which services hygienists can provide under public health supervision, such as fluoride application and sealants, while prohibiting procedures like local anesthesia. The bill grants rulemaking authority to the dental board to set qualifications for permits and identify additional eligible facilities and programs.
This bill adopts the Interstate Massage Compact into Montana law, creating a multistate licensing system for massage therapists that allows them to practice across participating states with a single license. The compact establishes an interstate commission to oversee the program and requires criminal background checks for applicants, while enabling states to share disciplinary and investigative information to protect public safety. It aims to increase mobility for licensed therapists, particularly military members and their spouses, while maintaining each state's authority to enforce its own massage therapy regulations and hold licensees accountable regardless of where they hold their multistate license.
This bill allows police departments, sheriff's offices, fire departments, and emergency medical services in Montana to create peer support programs for their staff and volunteers. It requires these programs to have written policies covering supporter qualifications, session guidelines, confidentiality rules, and protections against discrimination or forced participation by supervisors. The legislation also establishes that peer support sessions are confidential and prohibits qualified supporters from testifying about what occurs during those sessions, with exceptions only for situations involving imminent harm or criminal activity.
This bill creates the Montana Physicians' Workforce Investment Act to address the state's need for more doctors by establishing a grant program that helps healthcare facilities start new residency and fellowship training programs. The legislation sets up a 12-member task force, including government officials, medical school representatives, hospital leaders, and a patient advocate, to manage the grant program and oversee its implementation. Healthcare facilities can apply for up to $2 million in start-up funding to establish accredited graduate medical education programs, provided they submit detailed financial projections and sustainability plans. The task force must report annually on how many programs were created, how many training positions were filled, and the overall progress of the initiative.
This bill prohibits the administration of gene-based vaccines, including mRNA vaccines, to humans within Montana. It defines gene-based vaccines to include those using mRNA, modified mRNA, self-amplifying mRNA, or DNA technology. Healthcare providers who violate the ban face misdemeanor charges and a $500 fine for each incident, and their professional licenses may be reviewed by the state licensure board. The legislation applies to all humans within the state regardless of age or medical condition.
This bill updates regulations for Category D assisted living facilities in Montana, allowing them to operate independently or share space with other licensed facilities while limiting occupancy to a maximum of 15 residents. It clarifies that these facilities are not required to use seclusion, chemical, or physical restraints but must obtain prior authorization before using any form of restraint or seclusion. The legislation also establishes a process for diverting individuals from the Montana State Hospital to Category D facilities and requires the Department of Public Health and Human Services to provide technical assistance and a specialized reimbursement model to support these facilities. Additionally, the bill mandates monthly health assessments for Category D residents who are assessed as dangerous to themselves or others.
This bill allows schools in Montana to permit students to carry and use epinephrine nasal spray as an emergency treatment for severe allergies, anaphylaxis, or asthma, expanding beyond the current allowance for autoinjectable forms. It requires students to provide written parental authorization, a physician's prescription with dosage and administration instructions, proof of training on proper use, and a written treatment plan before carrying the medication on campus or during school activities. Schools must keep these documents on file and are protected from liability unless injury results from gross negligence or intentional misconduct, while students must report to a school nurse immediately after using epinephrine for follow-up care.
This bill allows high school students in grades 11 and 12 to earn elective credits toward graduation by working at long-term care, nursing home, home care, or child care facilities. Students can earn one credit for every 250 hours worked, with a maximum of two credits allowed. Schools must create application forms to verify work hours and may set specific conditions on the types of tasks students perform. The program applies to both public and private schools and takes effect on July 1, 2025.
