Signed by Governor Asa Hutchinson

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to concur with amendments and pass a bill that repeals mask mandates by all government entities in the state.

Highlights:

• Requires all mandatory face covering requirements, including without limitation requirements imposed by executive order of the Governor and the Department of Health under directives issues or both, to end (Sec. 1.a-1).

• Specifies this law does not apply to a face covering requirement imposed by a private business or state-owned or state-controlled healthcare facility (Sec. 1.b).

• Prohibits a state agency or entity, a political subdivision of the state, or a state or local official from mandating an individual in this state to use a face mask, face shield, or other face covering (Sec. 2.b).

• Establishes the use of a face mask, face shield, or other face covering will not be a condition for entry, education, or services (Sec. 2.c).

• Specifies if a state agency or entity, a political subdivision of the state, or a state or local official recommends that an individual in this state use a face mask, face shield, or other face covering, a state agency or entity, a political subdivision of the state, or a state or local official must provide notice that the recommendation is not mandatory (Sec. 2.d).

• Specifies this law does not apply to a face covering requirement imposed by (Sec. 2.e):

• A private business;

• A state-owned or state-controlled healthcare facility;

• A facility operated by the Department of Corrections; or

• A facility operated by the Division of Youth Services of the Department of Human Services.

• Alleges it is found and determined by the General Assembly of the State of Arkansas that face masks, face shields, and other face coverings are currently required in certain instances in this state; that a regulation that is not necessary and is a burden on the public peace, health, and safety of the citizens of this state; that the requirement of face coverings should be removed as soon possible as it is no longer necessary and should not be continued; and that this act should become effective as soon as possible as the requirement of face coverings is not necessary to protect the health and safety of the citizens of Arkansas and is a burden on the public peace, health, and safety of the citizens of this state (Sec. 3).

Full Bill Text

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to amend and pass a bill that repeals mask mandates by all government entities in the state.

Highlights:

• Requires all mandatory face covering requirements, including without limitation requirements imposed by executive order of the Governor and the Department of Health under directives issues or both, to end (Sec. 1.a-1).

• Specifies this law does not apply to a face covering requirement imposed by a private business or state-owned or state-controlled healthcare facility (Sec. 1.b).

• Prohibits a state agency or entity, a political subdivision of the state, or a state or local official from mandating an individual in this state to use a face mask, face shield, or other face covering (Sec. 2.b).

• Establishes the use of a face mask, face shield, or other face covering will not be a condition for entry, education, or services (Sec. 2.c).

• Specifies if a state agency or entity, a political subdivision of the state, or a state or local official recommends that an individual in this state use a face mask, face shield, or other face covering, a state agency or entity, a political subdivision of the state, or a state or local official must provide notice that the recommendation is not mandatory (Sec. 2.d).

• Specifies this law does not apply to a face covering requirement imposed by (Sec. 2.e):

• A private business;

• A state-owned or state-controlled healthcare facility;

• A facility operated by the Department of Corrections; or

• A facility operated by the Division of Youth Services of the Department of Human Services.

• Alleges it is found and determined by the General Assembly of the State of Arkansas that face masks, face shields, and other face coverings are currently required in certain instances in this state; that a regulation that is not necessary and is a burden on the public peace, health, and safety of the citizens of this state; that the requirement of face coverings should be removed as soon possible as it is no longer necessary and should not be continued; and that this act should become effective as soon as possible as the requirement of face coverings is not necessary to protect the health and safety of the citizens of Arkansas and is a burden on the public peace, health, and safety of the citizens of this state (Sec. 3).

Full Bill Text