AL HB168

Adds a new exemption to Alabama's loitering law allowing individuals to wear medical or surgical grade masks during protests, demonstrations, or public assemblies when done to comply with documented healthcare provider guidance to prevent infectious disease spread.

Law enforcement officers may require individuals claiming the medical mask exemption to produce documented medical guidance and may request mask removal for identification purposes.

Local boards of education may adopt and enforce their own mask policies during protests or assemblies on school property, with violations subject to administrative discipline but not criminal charges.

Public two-year and four-year institutions of higher education may establish broader or more restrictive mask policies for demonstrations on campus, also limited to administrative rather than criminal enforcement.

Effective date: October 1, 2026.