AR HB1004

School boards of public school districts and governing bodies of open-enrollment public charter schools may implement requirements for face masks, face shields, or other face coverings to reduce the spread of infectious, contagious, and communicable diseases.

Face covering requirements apply only to school buildings, school buses, or congregate educational settings where children under 12 years of age are present during times dedicated for academic purposes.

Section 20-7-144 does not prohibit schools from implementing face covering requirements under this bill.

An emergency is declared citing Executive Order 21-14, the rapid rise in COVID-19 cases, the Delta variant's increased contagiousness, and the fact that children under 12 are not yet eligible for COVID-19 vaccines.

The act becomes effective upon gubernatorial approval, expiration of the gubernatorial veto period, or override of a gubernatorial veto.