2023 Montana Code Annotated
Title 20. Education
Chapter 5. Pupils
Part 4. Health
20-5-403. Immunization required -- release and acceptance of immunization records -- notice of exemptions required
20-5-403. Immunization required -- release and acceptance of immunization records -- notice of exemptions required. (1) The governing authority of any school other than a postsecondary school may not allow a person to attend as a pupil unless the person:
(a) has been immunized against varicella, diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, poliomyelitis, rubella, mumps, and measles (rubeola) in the manner and with immunizing agents approved by the department;
(b) has been immunized against Haemophilus influenza type "b" before enrolling in a preschool if under 5 years of age;
(c) qualifies for conditional attendance; or
(d) files for an exemption as provided in 20-5-405.
(2) (a) The governing authority of a postsecondary school may not allow a person to attend as a pupil unless the person:
(i) has been immunized against rubella and measles (rubeola) in the manner and with immunizing agents approved by the department; or
(ii) files for an exemption as provided in 20-5-405.
(b) The governing authority of a postsecondary school may, as a condition of attendance, impose immunization requirements that are more stringent than those required by this part, subject to the exemptions provided for in 20-5-405.
(3) A pupil who transfers from one school district to another may photocopy immunization records in the possession of the school of origin. The school district to which a pupil transfers shall accept the photocopy as evidence of immunization. Within 30 days after a transferring pupil ceases attendance at the school of origin, the school shall retain a certified copy for the permanent record and send the original immunization records for the pupil to the school district to which the pupil transfers.
(4) Any communication from a school, including websites and social media postings, regarding the immunizations required under this section must include information about the exemptions available under 20-5-405, including copies of, or links to, exemption forms prescribed or developed by the department under 20-5-405.
History: En. Sec. 2, Ch. 147, L. 1979; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 509, L. 1981; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 102, L. 1983; amd. Sec. 2, Ch. 644, L. 1989; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 165, L. 1991; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 156, L. 2005; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 124, L. 2015; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 294, L. 2021; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 534, L. 2023.
