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Contentious hearing on bill to ban gene‑based vaccines draws medical experts, tribal leaders and dozens of personal testimonies
Summary
House Judiciary heard HB371, which would prohibit administration of gene‑based (mRNA) vaccines; proponents offered anecdotal and VAERS‑cited claims of harms, while state medical officers and multiple medical organizations testified the bill is overbroad, scientifically inaccurate in key assertions, and would block legitimate vaccines and therapies.
Representative Greg Kmetz opened House Bill 3 71 describing a proposal to prohibit administration of gene‑based vaccines (defined in the bill to include mRNA products such as the COVID‑19 shots) in Montana and characterizing vaccine manufacturers as shielded from liability. "This bill only bans vaccines that have an mRNA base," Kmetz said, arguing citizens need protection from what proponents described as unmitigated risks.
A long line of proponents offered personal anecdotes and medical claims that the committee and opponents repeatedly said require independent verification. Dr. Christine Drivdahl Smith, a Miles City family physician, cited VAERS numbers and published studies she says document injuries, and she urged immediate legislative action. "Gene‑based vaccines are…
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