SALT LAKE CITY The Utah Legislature passed a ban on face mask requirements in schools beginning with the next academic year after an emotional debate Wednesday among some who questioned how an end to mask-wearing could impact unvaccinated students, and others who pleaded for the move to improve kids mental health. It s really about the mental health of our students, bill sponsor House Majority Assistant Whip Val Peterson, R-Orem, said. I know there s been some concerns about local control, and I just want you to know that local control is maintained, Peterson said, explaining that masks can be required by schools in collaboration with local health departments during outbreaks under HB1007.
SALT LAKE CITY The Utah Legislature passed a ban on face mask requirements in schools beginning with the next academic year after an emotional debate Wednesday among some who questioned how an end to mask-wearing could impact unvaccinated students, and others who pleaded for the move to improve kids mental health. It s really about the mental health of our students, bill sponsor House Majority Assistant Whip Val Peterson, R-Orem, said. I know there s been some concerns about local control, and I just want you to know that local control is maintained, Peterson said, explaining that masks can be required by schools in collaboration with local health departments during outbreaks under HB1007.
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Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
The Utah Legislature passed a ban on face mask requirements in schools beginning with the next academic year after an emotional debate Wednesday among some who questioned how an end to mask-wearing could impact unvaccinated students, and others who pleaded for the move to improve kids’ mental health.
“It’s really about the mental health of our students,” bill sponsor House Majority Assistant Whip Val Peterson, R-Orem, said.
“I know there’s been some concerns about local control, and I just want you to know that local control is maintained,” Peterson said, explaining that masks can be required by schools in collaboration with local health departments during outbreaks under HB1007.
Bill banning mask mandates in Utah schools advances on Capitol Hill
Critical race theory, 2nd Amendment sanctuary back in Utah legislature as resolutions; Bill banning mask mandates in Utah schools advances on Capitol Hill
and last updated 2021-05-18 20:59:29-04
SALT LAKE CITY â A bill that bans future mask mandates in all Utah schools will be heard in the special session of the state legislature after passing a committee hearing, but it is not without controversy.
The Utah State Legislature s Education Interim Committee voted 16-7 in support of
House Bill 1007, which prohibits face coverings in K-12 schools, but also colleges and universities.
| Updated: 1:12 a.m.
The Utah House voted down a bill Friday that would have updated how health education is taught in schools.
Before her fellow representatives made their decision, Carol Spackman Moss tried to dispel misinformation she said had been swirling around her bill and explained why she pushed for this legislation.
“I care deeply about the health and safety of our young people,” said the Democrat from Holladay, who’s a former teacher. “I think I fell short as a mother because I didn’t give the information that I might have given, had I had more education myself.”