Montana Bill Would Limit Rulemaking by Local Health Boards [View all]
HELENA — The Montana House is considering a bill that would make decisions by local health boards in response to crises subject to approval by elected officials.
Under existing Montana law, the boards, which are appointed by elected officials, have the authority to issue rules to address public health crises, including the pandemic. The bill would give county and city commissioners the power to amend or rescind those rules.
Proponents of the bill said during a committee hearing Thursday that it would restore confidence in public health edicts. Opponents said allowing elected officials to intervene in health board decisions could allow politics to overpower science in decisions regarding urgent health concerns.
The bill comes after months of angst among some Montana residents over what they have called arbitrary and unfair health mandates that have led some business to close. Some local health officials in Montana have resigned after encountering a lack of support from elected officials for their efforts to curb the virus.
Read more: https://flatheadbeacon.com/2021/01/15/montana-bill-limit-rulemaking-local-health-boards/
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