AR HB1005

Allows state-owned, county-owned, city-owned, or municipality-owned childcare facilities to implement requirements for face masks, face shields, or other face coverings to reduce spread of infectious diseases.

Limits face covering requirements to childcare facility buildings, buses, and other congregate settings where children under 12 years of age are present.

Clarifies that Section 20-7-144 does not prohibit publicly owned or operated childcare facilities from implementing face covering requirements under this law.

Declares an emergency based on the Delta variant of COVID-19 being more contagious, children under 12 being ineligible for COVID-19 vaccines, and the imminent start of the school year.

Becomes effective upon gubernatorial approval, expiration of the veto period, or veto override by the legislature.