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.
Idaho House approves prohibition on mask mandates
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Idaho House approves prohibition on mask mandates
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From USA TODAY Network and wire reports
Alabama
Orange Beach: Beach season is heating up, and the coastal region is getting federal money to help recover from tourism losses caused by the pandemic. The Commerce Department’s Economic Development Administration said Thursday that it will provide the Alabama Gulf Coast Convention and Visitors Bureau with $800,000 for a marketing program. The money will be combined with $200,000 in local funding. The agency is helping communities nationwide implement programs to counter economic hardships amid the pandemic, said Dennis Alvord, acting assistant secretary for economic development. “This investment will fund a strategic, multi-faceted marketing campaign designed to attract visitors to the Gulf Shores and Orange Beach area, resulting in continuous economic growth and job creation,” he said in a statement. Officials hope to boost business and reclaim tourists who couldn’t visit during the COVID-19 shutdown, which included the closur