TITLE: Relating to the prohibition of face covering mandates by this state and political subdivisions of this state in response to the COVID-19 pandemic; providing exceptions.

SUMMARY: Relating to the prohibition of face covering mandates by this state and political subdivisions of this state in response to the COVID-19 pandemic; providing exceptions.

FULL TEXT:
AN ACT relating to the prohibition of face covering mandates by this state and political subdivisions of this state in response to the COVID-19 pandemic; providing exceptions. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Subchapter H, Chapter 418, Government Code, is amended by adding Section 418.196 to read as follows: Sec. 418.196. LIMITATION ON AUTHORITY OF GOVERNMENTAL ENTITY TO MANDATE CERTAIN FACE COVERINGS. (a) In this section, "governmental entity" means: (1) this state; (2) a municipality, county, school district, public health authority, or other political subdivision of this state; and (3) an officer or employee of this state or a political subdivision of this state. (b) Notwithstanding any other law and except as provided by Subsection (c), a governmental entity may not adopt or enforce an ordinance, order, or other measure that requires an individual to wear a face covering in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. (c) The limitation prescribed by Subsection (b) does not apply to an ordinance, order, or other measure that relates to: (1) a state supported living center, as defined by Section 531.002, Health and Safety Code; (2) a hospital that is owned or operated by this state, an agency of this state, or the federal government; or (3) subject to any applicable guidance provided by the Texas Commission on Jail Standards, a facility operated by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice or the Texas Juvenile Justice Department or a municipal or county jail. SECTION 2. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution.