AR SB5

Allows school boards of public school districts and governing bodies of open-enrollment public charter schools to implement face mask, face shield, or other face covering requirements to reduce spread of infectious diseases.

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

Requires school boards and charter school governing bodies to review and reconsider any face covering requirement every 60 days.

Adds school boards and charter school governing bodies as exemptions to Arkansas Code § 20-7-144, which generally prohibits state agencies, political subdivisions, and officials from mandating face coverings.

Declares an emergency due to the threat posed by COVID-19 to children under 12 years of age and the imminent start of the school year, making the act effective upon approval by the Governor.