Bill > HB361

This bill prohibits school boards and public educational institutions from implementing mandatory facial covering policies for students and members of the public while on school property, with several specific exceptions. The bill defines a "facial covering" as any item that covers a student's mouth, nose, or both, and allows for masks to be required in specific contexts such as athletic protective gear, safety equipment for handling hazardous materials, or as part of an individualized education program (IEP) or accommodation plan under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. Essentially, the legislation aims to prevent schools from requiring COVID-19 or other general-purpose masks, while still preserving the ability to mandate protective gear in specific educational or safety-related scenarios. The bill would take effect 60 days after its passage, giving schools and districts time to adjust their policies. This legislation appears to be part of a broader movement challenging mask mandates in educational settings, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Education

https://gc.nh.gov/bill_status/legacy/bs2016/bill_docket.aspx?lsr=0399&sy=2025&sortoption=&txtsessionyear=2025&txtbillnumber=HB361