A reality based independent journal of observation & analysis, serving the Flathead Valley & Montana since 2006. © James Conner.

7 March 2015

Raw milk legalization bill wins 2nd reading in MT House 66–34

HB-245, which legalizes some sales of unpasteurized milk in Montana, was approved 66–34 on its second reading in the MT House yesterday. The margin, although large, is not veto proof.

Fifteen Democrats joined 51 Republicans in casting Ayes. Eight Republicans joined 26 Democrats in casting Nays.

A similar bill was approved by the House 96–3 in the legislature’s 2013 session. Eighteen who voted to legalize raw milk in 2013 voted against legalization this time. But 40 who voted to legalize raw milk in 2013 were repeat offenders in 2015.

Flathead Democrats Ed Lieser and Zac Perry voted against HB-245, as did Republicans Frank Garner and Albert Olszewski. Lieser had voted Aye in 2013.

Olszewski, a physician, spoke against the bill. A successful public health system has three components, he said: “sanitation, vaccination, and pasteurization.” Because milk cannot be washed, it must be cooked to kill pathogens harmful to humans.

Nancy Ballance (R-Hamilton), HB-245’s sponsor, claimed that pasteurization kills nutrients as well as pathogens — a claim disproved by the Centers for Disease Control and the Food and Drug Administration. Therefore, she asserted, legalizing raw milk actually improves a public health system.

She delivered those arguments with the straight face and bright eyes of a true believer.

Bill Harris (R-Winnett) said, “Don’t be so afraid of change. We’re just changing back to something we’ve known is safe forever.” His face was straight, too.

Before approving the bill, the House rejected 43-57 Denise Hayman’s (D-Missoula) attempt to amend the bill to provide great protection for consumers:

A person who consumes raw milk or raw milk products purchased under this section has a cause of action against the permittee if the consumption of the milk or milk products results in health issues or illness.

Hayman, who voted for the bill in committee, voted against it on the second reading.

Expect the third reading in the House to be held next week.