Bill > HB94

This bill amends the Public School Code of 1949 to provide parents and legal guardians with the right to opt their school-aged children out of face covering or mask mandates imposed by schools, health departments, or school boards during public health situations. The bill requires schools to develop and publicly post an opt-out form that does not require parents to provide a reason for their choice. The legislation explicitly prohibits schools from discriminating against or harassing students who do not wear masks, including preventing them from participating in school activities or isolating them. The bill defines a "face covering or mask" broadly as any material that covers the nose and mouth, which can be made from various fabrics or even improvised from household items like scarves or t-shirts. By providing this opt-out mechanism, the bill aims to give parents more control over their children's health protection measures during potential disease outbreaks, while ensuring that students who choose not to wear masks are not penalized or stigmatized in the school environment.

Health and Social Services

https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/bill_history.cfm?syear=2025&sind=0&body=H&type=B&bn=94