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SB 382

Requiring acceptance of religious or conscience exemptions to immunizations

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Daniel Emrich

Bill would expand Montana's immunization exemptions to include religious and conscience-based objections, potentially lowering vaccination rates and community disease immunity protections.

(S) Died in Process
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Bill Summary · SB 382

Legislative bill overview

SB 382 would require Montana to accept religious or conscience-based exemptions to immunization requirements, allowing individuals to opt out of vaccination mandates based on personal beliefs rather than only medical contraindications. The bill died in the legislative process during the 2025 session without advancing to a floor vote.

Why is this important

Immunization exemption policies directly affect public health protections, disease transmission rates, and institutional access (schools, healthcare facilities, employment). Montana currently allows medical and religious exemptions; this bill would expand exemption categories, potentially affecting community immunity thresholds needed to prevent disease outbreaks.

Potential points of contention

  • Public health vs. individual liberty: Broader exemptions reduce vaccination rates, which can lower herd immunity thresholds and increase disease transmission risk, particularly affecting immunocompromised populations who cannot be vaccinated
  • Definition ambiguity: "Conscience exemptions" lack a precise legal definition, potentially creating inconsistent implementation and disputes over what qualifies as a valid exemption
  • Institutional burden: Schools, employers, and healthcare facilities would face administrative complexity determining exemption validity and managing disease outbreak protocols with lower vaccination coverage

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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