Governor Greg Abbott has signed an executive order banning mask mandates around the state.
According to the press release sent out Tuesday afternoon, , the order prohibits any government entity in the state from requiring mandating the use of masks, which includes school districts.
Any schools with a mask mandate still en effect can leave them until June 4th, but after that, no student, teacher, parent, other staff members or visitors can be required to wear a mask on campuses. The order would also extend to institutions like Texas A&M or Blinn College.
Beginning this Friday, May 21st, any government entity still imposing a mask mandate can be subject to a fine of up to $1,000, for violating the executive order. Exempt from the order are state-supported living centers, government owned/operated hospitals, and any Texas Department of Criminal Justice facilities, including county and municipal jails.
The executive order does not prevent private businesses from creating their own mask policy.