Utah lawmakers pass school mask mandate prohibition

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — The Utah Legislature has passed a measure that would bar public schools and universities from implementing mask mandates.

The bill's sponsor said Wednesday county officials would still be able to invoke mask orders in consultation with local health officials in schools that have coronavirus outbreaks.

The bill would not prevent people from wearing face coverings.

Democrats and Republicans argued the measure could increase unnecessary governmental oversight and won't do enough to protect kids.

The bill now moves to the governor’s desk before being signed into law.

Republican Gov. Spencer Cox has said Utah won’t require masks in K-12 schools for the last week of the academic year.