LRB-1809/1
JPC:skw&klm
2021 - 2022 LEGISLATURE
February 18, 2021 - Introduced by Representatives Anderson, S. Rodriguez,
Andraca, Baldeh, Billings, Bowen, Brostoff, Cabrera, Conley, Considine,
Doyle, Drake, Emerson, Goyke, Haywood, Hebl, Hesselbein, Hintz, Hong,
McGuire, B. Meyers, Milroy, Moore Omokunde, L. Myers, Neubauer,
Ohnstad, Ortiz-Velez, Pope, Riemer, Shankland, Shelton, Sinicki,
Snodgrass, Spreitzer, Stubbs, Subeck, Vining and Vruwink, cosponsored by
Senators Erpenbach, Smith, Carpenter, Agard, Bewley, Johnson, Larson,
Pfaff, Ringhand, Roys, L. Taylor and Wirch. Referred to Committee on State
Affairs.
AB88,1,2
1An Act relating to: requiring face coverings in certain situations and providing
2a penalty.
Analysis by the Legislative Reference Bureau
This bill requires individuals to wear face coverings in certain situations from
the day this bill is enacted until the conclusion of a national emergency declared by
the President of the United States in response to the 2019 novel coronavirus. Under
the bill, “face covering” is defined as a piece of cloth or other material that is worn
to cover the nose and mouth completely, including a bandana, a cloth face mask, a
disposable or paper mask, or a religious face covering. Under the bill, “face covering”
does not include face shields, mesh masks, masks with holes or openings, or masks
with vents.
During the effective period of the bill, an individual who is at least five years
of age must wear a face covering if all of the following apply:
1. The individual is indoors, other than at a private residence, or in an enclosed
space, as defined in the bill.
2. Another individual who is not a member of the individual's household or
living unit is present in the same room or enclosed space.
The bill includes a number of exceptions. Specifically, an individual who is
otherwise required to wear a face covering under the bill may remove the face
covering in the following situations:
1. While eating, drinking, or sleeping.
2. When communicating with an individual who is deaf or hard of hearing and
communication cannot be achieved through other means.
3. While obtaining a service that requires the temporary removal of the face
covering.
4. While swimming or on duty as a lifeguard.
5. While speaking in a public forum and the individual speaking is at least six
feet away from all other persons at all times.
6. When engaging in work where wearing a face covering would create a risk
to the individual, as determined by government safety guidelines.
7. When necessary to confirm the individual's identity, including when entering
a financial institution.
8. When federal or state law or regulations prohibit wearing a face covering.