Utah to consider school mask prohibition in special session

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Utah Gov. Spencer Cox has called on state lawmakers to convene for a special session this week.

They will consider bills involving allocating federal coronavirus relief funds and a prohibition on mask requirements in schools during Wednesday's session.

Cox said two of the more contentious proposed measures will not be considered.

Those bills are a ban on teaching critical race theory in K-12 schools and a proposal to declare Utah a Second Amendment sanctuary.

Cox says those issues need more time, thought, dialogue and input before being voted on.

Lawmakers will instead focus on allocating the more than $1.5 billion Utah is receiving from the American Rescue Plan.