Power to authorize public safety restrictions taken from local health experts

The question of who has the power to implement health regulations was answered loud and clear at Wednesday’s City of Helena administrative meeting. The 2021 Montana Legislature passed legislation limiting the authority of local health officials and health boards which had been able to authorize safety protocols. The new laws now require a “local governing body” for approving Board of Health recommended regulations.
In Helena, Lewis and Clark County Commissioners is considered the “local governing body.”
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