Montana Senate Debates Vaccination Exemptions and Voter Registration Reforms
The Montana Senate is currently debating significant bills on school vaccination exemptions and voter registration. Senate Bill 474 would simplify the process for personal exemptions, while Senate Bill 490 proposes changes to late voter registration laws, limiting registration options. The discussions highlight the conflict between individual choice and public health as well as the implications for voter access.
The Montana Senate convenes for extended sessions as it approaches the transmittal deadline, focusing on significant bills including Senate Bill 474 and Senate Bill 490. On a 29-21 vote, Senate Bill 474, introduced by Republican Senator Daniel Emrich, aims to ease the process for claiming personal exemptions from school vaccination requirements.
Senator Emrich cited his daughter’s adverse health reaction to a vaccination as a reason for his advocacy. He stated, “People need the right to choose. We can’t force everybody to get a vaccine. Most people want to get a vaccine; there’s not that many people that don’t. But we need to give them that option, that freedom to choose.”
Opponents of the bill, including Senator Cora Neumann of Bozeman, argue that the current exemption system is functioning effectively. She cautioned that an increased number of exemptions could pose risks to public health, saying, “The only reason that people in this country can decide not to get vaccines… is because my kids are vaccinated.”
Additionally, the Senate approved SB 490 with a vote of 33-17, which proposes significant alterations to Montana’s late voter registration laws. Sponsored by Senator Mike Cuffe, the bill would eliminate the ability to register on the Monday preceding an election and limit registration until noon on Election Day while allowing registration on the Saturday before.
Critics argue that these changes could hinder voter registration, particularly among young voters. Senate Minority Leader Pat Flowers remarked, “One thing that I think is going to really suppress the vote is the stop-start—so you can register Saturday, Sunday, but you can’t register Monday, you can register Tuesday only till noon.”
Proponents contend that such measures would ease the burden on election workers confronted with lengthy same-day registration lines, ensuring compliance with a state Supreme Court ruling regarding same-day registration laws. Senator Theresa Manzella emphasized, “We’re trying to work around the court’s decision to make same-day registration available to people, to the very best of our ability, and still have an efficient, safe election.”
The Montana Senate is addressing pivotal issues concerning vaccination exemptions and voter registration. Senate Bill 474 seeks to facilitate personal exemptions from school vaccination requirements, while Senate Bill 490 proposes substantial modifications to late voter registration protocols. Both bills have sparked considerable debate among senators regarding public health and electoral access, highlighting the balance between individual rights and the collective wellbeing of the community.
Original Source: www.ktvh.com
