Gov. Greg Abbott this week swiftly ended countless community debates across Texas over whether masks should continue to be required in classrooms. Public schools can no longer mandate masks starting June 5, he said in his latest pandemic orders.
Officials at many Central Texas districts, which are scheduled to end the school year before the order goes into effect, said they would comply with Abbott s orders. Districts that defy the order, which applies to students, employees and visitors, could face a fine of up to $1,000.
Some districts including Round Rock, Eanes and Hays already had moved to make masks optional in June, after most classes end.