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The Montana Legislature is considering a handful of bills that would loosen restrictions around requirements for vaccinations.

Last month, nearby Washington state declared a state of emergency after 66 people there were diagnosed with measles. Three cases of mumps were confirmed in Bozeman just two weeks ago. Vaccinations protect against both diseases.

Many people who testified Monday in support of the bills said their children had suffered harm after being given routine childhood vaccinations or said they had suffered after receiving vaccinations as a child, adding their opposition should not be looked at through the lens of what's happening in other states.

Opponents to the bills said children who are not vaccinated for religious reasons put those who are too young or medically unable to be vaccinated at risk, pointing out diseases are just a car ride away.