Bill > H0393

This bill prohibits public schools, independent schools, postsecondary schools, tutorial programs, and approved educational programs from requiring or mandating face masks for students, employees, or members of the public as a condition for in-person attendance, specifically aimed at preventing or minimizing the spread of pathogens. The bill creates a legal mechanism allowing individuals who have been impacted by a mask mandate to sue in the Civil Division of the Superior Court, seeking damages, injunctive relief, and potentially punitive damages in cases of intentional violations. Additionally, the bill amends the Governor's emergency powers statute to ensure that any directions given to State or local boards of health during an emergency must comply with the new mask prohibition law, effectively limiting the Governor's ability to mandate masks in educational settings. The proposed legislation is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, providing schools and other educational institutions ample time to prepare for the new restrictions.