On Wednesday, the House Government and Elections Committee approved HB2616, which prohibits the government or a school from requiring a child to wear a mask or face covering without the express consent of the parent or guardian.
Let me point out that of the 6 democrats in committee all voting NO, only 2 were wearing masks. Do as I say and not as I do seems to be the tyranny that the dems lead by. The bullying of minors mush stop. #AZleg #UnmaskOurKids https://t.co/0VDdGLkJNy
— Joseph Chaplik 🇺🇸 (@JosephChaplik) February 10, 2022
The vote was divided by party line, with all Republican members supporting the bill.
“I believe parents should make decisions for their children, not the government,” said the bill’s sponsor Rep. Joseph Chaplik.
“The states of Florida and Virginia, with bipartisan support, have passed this similar policy,” said Chaplik. “I will continue to stand for freedom in Arizona for our constituents.”
HB2616 provisions:
1. Prohibits this state, any political subdivision, governmental entity, school district or any charter school from requiring that a face covering or mask be worn by a person under the age of 18 without the express consent of the person’s parent or guardian.
2. Specifies that a business in this state is not required to enforce on its patrons a face covering mandate.
3. Stipulates that a business in this state is not authorized to require a face covering or mask to be worn by a person under the age of 18 without the express consent of the person’s parent or guardian.
The bill now heads to a vote by the whole House.