Contradicting virtually all public health experts, she cited information she has that masks aren’t effective in preventing disease.
She also noted that some victims of sexual violence find wearing masks to be traumatic if they had their faces covered while being assaulted.
Opponents said mask mandates are a local issue, and they effectively prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
Private businesses could still require masks if the bill becomes law.
If the bill became law, and a government agency or official imposed a mask mandate, any declared emergency would be terminated, according to an amendment to the bill.
Republican Rep. Greg Chaney, who is an attorney, spoke against the bill and said the penalty could allow someone opposed to an emergency declaration to put in place a mask mandate, immediately voiding the emergency declaration.