Senate narrows public‑health authority, adds measles to dangerous‑condition list

First Substitute House Bill 405 returned to the Senate floor on Feb. 29, 2024 for further consideration and amendment. Senator Harper described the measure as an update to public‑health code that clarifies when health departments may take possession of property (for nuisances, infestations or meth houses), narrows the list of diseases that can trigger involuntary restraint, and aligns student vaccine‑exemption treatment with that of health‑care professionals.

After a motion to reconsider and further floor work, Senator Plumb introduced Amendment 6 to add measles to the bill’s definition of a "dangerous public health condition." "The amendment very simply adds... measles," Plumb said while explaining the language that places measles on the list of dangerous conditions that can trigger certain public‑health responses. The Senate adopted the amendment and, following roll‑call, passed the bill as amended.

Senators who spoke on the bill emphasized that the clarifications were aimed at preventing abuses of public‑health authority seen in other states during the COVID‑19 period while also preserving tools to respond to infectious outbreaks. Several senators registered concern about losing the chance to discuss a pending amendment in committee (a measles amendment was specifically referenced), and the sponsor yielded time to accommodate on‑floor amendments before final passage. The bill will be returned to the House for further consideration.