New legislation being considered today by Montana legislators would amend the authority of local health boards and officers to offer a new check on their orders, directives, and mandates.

The legislation, House Bill 121, was proposed by Montana state representative David Bedey of Hamilton.

Under the proposed legislation, governing bodies of local health authorities, such as the Missoula County Board of Commissioners and the Missoula City Council, will have the power to “amend, rescind, or otherwise change the directive, mandate, or order” of local health boards.

“A directive, mandate, or order issued by a local board of health in response to a declaration of emergency and/or disaster by the governor as allowed … or by the principal executive officer of a political subdivision … remains in effect until the majority of the governing body moves to amend, rescind, or otherwise change the directive, mandate, or order.”

Read the full legislation here.

Provide your support for this legalization to the House Local Government Committee here.