AR HB1974

Governor may issue executive order or proclamation requiring public school districts and open enrollment public charter schools to mandate face masks, face shields, or other face coverings in school buildings, buses, and congregate educational settings during academic instruction for up to 30 days if conditions are met.

Requirements for Governor's mask mandate: area must be within a state of disaster emergency related to public health declared by the Governor, and 6.5% or more of students, faculty, and staff must have tested positive for COVID-19 within the past two weeks.

Students may be exempted from mask requirements if a parent or legal guardian provides written notice to the school that the student shall not be required to wear a face mask, face shield, or other face covering.

Schools incurring costs from the Governor's mask mandate may use COVID-19 relief funds distributed to them, including funds from the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, to pay for related costs.

Emergency clause declares the act effective immediately upon Governor approval, passage without veto, or veto override, citing the Delta variant threat and upcoming school year as justification.