Gov. Abbott issues executive order prohibiting local mask mandates
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May 18—Gov. Greg Abbott Tuesday issued an Executive Order prohibiting governmental entities in Texas, including counties, cities, school districts, public health authorities, or government officials, from requiring mask wearing.
Public schools may continue to follow current mask guidelines through June 4, however after that date, no student, teacher, parent, or other staff member or visitor can be required to wear a mask while on campus.
Beginning May 21, local governments or officials that attempt to impose a mask mandate or conflicting with the Executive Order could be fined up to $1,000.
Exempt from the Executive Order are state-supported living centers, government-owned or operated hospitals, Texas Department of Criminal Justice facilities, Texas Juvenile Justice Department facilities, and county and municipal jails.
"The Lone Star State continues to defeat COVID-19 through the use of widely-available vaccines, antibody therapeutic drugs, and safe practices utilized by Texans in our communities," Abbott said.
"Texans, not government, should decide their best health practices, which is why masks will not be mandated by public school districts or government entities. We can continue to mitigate COVID-19 while defending Texans' liberty to choose whether or not they mask up."
