Whitehall School District threatens Health Board with legal action

The Whitehall School District is threatening the Jefferson County Health Board with legal action if it does not allow for a hearing and public comment on the recently enacted county-wide mask requirement. 

The letter, dated March 2 and from the district’s attorney, accuses the Health Board of violating Montana’s open meeting laws and the statute that requires a public notice and hearing  before taking action on a health directive issued by a health board. 

Jefferson County’s mask requirement was issued Friday, Feb. 19 and was effective the same day. The details are similar to the state-wide mask mandate issued by former Gov. Steve Bullock, but that was rescinded in February by Gov. Greg Gianforte after he took office.