House Bill 294

AN ACT TO PROHIBIT PUBLIC SCHOOLS, COMMUNITY AND JUNIOR COLLEGES AND STATE INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER LEARNING FROM REQUIRING STUDENTS TO WEAR FACE MASKS; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:

SECTION 1. The school board of a local school district, a school district superintendent, an elected or appointed local official, or an employee of a school district may not require a student to wear a face mask, face shield or any other facial covering that fits over the mouth or nose. However, a parent, in the parent's sole discretion, may allow the parent's child to wear a face mask, face shield or other facial covering that fits over the mouth or nose. The prohibition in this section does not apply to safety equipment required as part of a course of study consistent with occupational or laboratory safety requirements.

SECTION 2. The president of a state institution of higher learning or public community or junior college, an elected or appointed local official, or a policy making body or individual employee of a state institution of higher learning or community or junior college may not require a student to wear a face mask, face shield or any other facial covering that fits over the mouth or nose. However, a student, in the student's sole discretion, may elect to wear a face mask, face shield or other facial covering that fits over the mouth or nose. The prohibition in this section does not apply to safety equipment required as part of a course of study consistent with occupational or laboratory safety requirements.

SECTION 3. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2023.