Abbott Issues Executive Order to Ban Mask Mandates

AUSTIN, TX – Governor Greg Abbott issued a new executive order Tuesday prohibiting governmental entities in Texas from requiring or mandating mask-wearing.

The entities include counties, cities, school districts, public health authorities, and government officials.

Per the governor's order, schools may continue requiring the use of a mask for students, teachers, parents, visitors, and staff members. Masks may only be mandatory until June 4th.

After this date, no one can be required to wear a mask on any campus.

Beginning May 21st, any local governments or officials that attempt to impose a mask mandate or impose a limitation that is inconsistent or in conflict with the Executive Order can be subject to a fine of up to $1,000.

"The Lone Star State continues to defeat COVID-19 through the use of widely-available vaccines, antibody therapeutic drugs, and safe practices utilized by Texans in our communities," said Abbott. "Texans, not government, should decide their best health practices, which is why masks will not be mandated by public school districts or government entities. We can continue to mitigate COVID-19 while defending Texans' liberty to choose whether or not they mask up."

The only entities that are exempt are state-supported living centers, government-owned or operated hospitals, Texas Department of Criminal Justice facilities, Texas Juvenile Justice Department facilities, and county and municipal jails.