Prohibits courts from using vaccination status in various legal proceedings concerning child abuse, custody, adoption & guardianship

State: MT
Bill Number: HB 684
Position: SUPPORT
Action Required: NONE
Status: ENACTED, signed by Governor Greg Gianforte 4/26/2023, Effective 4/27/2023, Chapter Number 286

Legislation Details:

UPDATE: 4/27/2023 - HB 684 was enacted. It was signed by Governor Greg Gianforte 4/26/2023, with effective date of 4/27/2023. Chapter Number 286. View the enrolled version HERE

UPDATE: 4/21/2023 - HB 684 was sent to enrolling on 4/11/2023 and submitted to the Governor on 4/21/2023.

UPDATE: 4/6/2023 - HB 684 passed the Third Reading in the Senate on 4/6/2023 by a vote of 33 Yes, 16 No, 1 Excused.

UPDATE: 4/3/2023 -  On 3/31/2023, the Senate Public Health, Welfare and Safety Committee concurred on HB 684 by vote of 6 Yes, 3 No.

UPDATE: 3/24/2023 - HB 684 is scheduled for a hearing in the Senate Public Health, Welfare and Safety Committee on Wednesday, 3/29/2023 at 3:00 pm in Hearing Room 317.

UPDATE: 3/13/2023 - HB 684 was referred to the Senate Public Health, Welfare and Safety Committee on 3/13/2023. 

UPDATE: 3/3/2023 - HB 684 was transmitted to the Senate on 3/3/2023. 

UPDATE: 3/1/2023 - HB 684 passed 2nd reading in the full House by a vote of 72 yes and 28 no on 3/1/2023. 

UPDATE: 2/27/2023 - HB 684 passed the House Judiciary Committee on 2/27/2023 by a vote of 13 Yes, 6 No

UPDATE: 2/22/2023 - HB 684 is scheduled for a hearing in the House Judiciary Committee on 2/24/2023 at 7:00 AM in Room 137. See schedule here. 

HB 684 was introduced on 2/20/2023.  This bill is sponsored by Representative Hinkle with multiple cosponsors. 

This bill prohibits the courts from using vaccination status in the following sections of law:

In making any order related to child support, child custody, visitation, or parental rights

In determining child abuse and neglect

As evidence or considered as a factor in any administrative or judicial evaluation or decision regarding an adoption.

In considering and deciding a petition for guardianship of a minor or an incapacitated adult a court may not:

(1) admit into evidence the vaccination status of a person seeking appointment as a guardian; or

(2) consider a person's vaccination status when making an order on the petition.

http://laws.leg.mt.gov/legprd/LAW0210W$BSIV.ActionQuery?P_BILL_NO1=684&P_BLTP_BILL_TYP_CD=HB&Z_ACTION=Find&P_SESS=20231#dbi_top - text, status and history for HB 684