Bill > HB555

This bill establishes new regulations for chemical abortions in Montana, focusing on three main areas. First, it provides strict conditions for health care providers performing chemical abortions that affect interstate commerce, requiring them to physically examine the patient, be present during the procedure, schedule a follow-up visit within 7 days, and provide a catch kit and medical waste bag for proper disposal. Violations of these requirements can result in a felony charge with potential fines up to $10,000 and imprisonment for up to 3 years, though exceptions exist for cases necessary to preserve the mother's life. Second, the bill places responsibility on abortion drug manufacturers for the proper disposal of discarded drugs and the environmental mitigation of endocrine-disrupting chemical byproducts that may enter public waste systems, with potential fines up to $20,000 for non-compliance. The bill also includes comprehensive definitions of key terms like "abortion drug," "chemical abortion," and "unborn child," which broadly define these concepts to include any intentional termination of pregnancy with specific exceptions. Importantly, the bill explicitly states that patients cannot be prosecuted for violations, and it includes a severability clause ensuring that if any part of the act is found invalid, the remaining valid parts will remain in effect.

Justice

https://bills.legmt.gov/#/laws/bill/2/LC0981