Senate Judiciary Moves to Limit Health Board Authority

HELENA — The Montana Senate Judiciary Committee heard testimony Wednesday on a bill that would strike a section from Montana law saying law enforcement officers commit a misdemeanor if they deny enforcing state or county health orders.

Cascade County Sheriff Jesse Slaughter testified for Senate Bill 67. He says current law creates tension between officers and health boards

“It creates an unnecessary adversarial relationship between a government appointee and elected officials,” Slaughter said. “It just does. It’s not necessary.”