Montana committee hears hours of testimony on bill to shield pregnancy centers from compelled speech and local regulation

Summary

Lawmakers heard hours of pro- and con- testimony on House Bill 388, which would protect pregnancy centers from government requirements that contradict their mission; proponents described medical services and accreditation, while opponents warned the measure would limit oversight and patient protections such as privacy and medical standards.

House lawmakers and dozens of witnesses debated House Bill 388 for more than two hours in Senate Judiciary, with supporters urging the committee to protect pregnancy centers’ religious and speech rights and opponents warning the bill would reduce medical oversight and patient protections.

Sponsor Amy Regier, R-Flathead Valley, opened the hearing by saying House Bill 388 "affirms the constitutional rights of pregnancy centers to function according to their purpose and protect them from any government laws or regulation that would be counter to their purpose." She told the committee the bill’s definitions and remedies would prevent government compulsion: "Pregnancy centers should not be forced by government to promote a message with which they disagree."

Proponents described pregnancy centers as medical and social-service providers that offer free pregnancy tests, ultrasounds, parenting education, baby supplies and case management. Derek A. Striecher, identified in testimony as legal counsel for the Montana Family…

Montana committee hears hours of testimony on bill to shield pregnancy centers from compelled speech and local regulation

Summary

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