State Senator Becca Rausch filed a bill on Monday, August 2, that would require students and staff in K-12 schools in Massachusetts to wear a mask.
The bill, titles “An Act Mitigating COVID-19 Transmission Among Children and Families,” is currently SD.2723.
Section 1 of the bill, states, in part:
Any person age two or older who is attending, instructing, supervising, or otherwise participating in or engaging with: (a) a child care program licensed by the department of early education and care, or (b) any elementary or secondary school instructing children in kindergarten through grade 12, inclusive, shall at all times when indoors wear a mask or face covering that covers the mouth and nose, consistent with guidance issued by the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; provided, however, that masks or face coverings shall not be required when eating or drinking, or for persons who are unable to wear masks or face coverings due to physician-verified medical conditions, disability, or other health and safety factors.
If passed, the law would expire on June 30, 2022.
Rausch, a Democrat from Needham, represents Attleboro, North Attleboro, Plainville, Wrentham, Norfolk and Franklin.
At publishing time on Tuesday morning, the bill received two cosponsors: Rep. Lindsay Sabadosa of Northhampton and Rep. Elizabeth Malia of Boston.
Rausch wrote an article in The Sun Chronicle on Monday about her bill.
No action has been taken on the bill as of Tuesday morning.
