AR SB3

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 may only be implemented in school buildings, school buses, or other 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 act.

The "school board" definition includes the State Board of Education and Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education if they order the takeover of a public school district and removal of the school district board of directors.

The act declares an emergency based on the Delta variant of COVID-19 posing a threat to unvaccinated children under 12 years of age and becomes effective upon Governor approval, expiration of veto period, or veto override by the legislature.