A law prohibiting the state, public schools, higher education institutions, government officials, local government units, and health districts from requiring the use of masks to decrease the spread of contagious diseases was passed Wednesday by the Republican-controlled Idaho House of Representatives.
House Bill 32 was sponsored by Rep. Robert Beiswenger, a Republican from Horseshoe Bend.
During a debate on the House floor on Wednesday, Beiswenger stated that this only forbids government officials and employees from enforcing mask demands on residents in order to spread infectious diseases.
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Idahoans will have more freedom thanks to this bill, Beiswenger continued.
In order to prevent the spread of COVID-19, school districts, health districts, and local governments have been requiring masks for years. The state of Idaho has never had a mask mandate.
According to the bill, hospitals and other healthcare facilities are exempt. The bill also includes exceptions for those who work in healthcare facilities, with hazardous products, or in industrial settings where it is required to cover one’s face for protection.
After voicing concerns that the bill would restrict local governments and schools from making decisions locally, Rep. Rick Cheatum, a Republican from Pocatello, voted against it.
Cheatum is not only a member of the Pocatello City Council but also serves in the Idaho Legislature.
According to Cheatum, this law is just another instance of local power being overruled. After passing a bill like this, we have no idea what local issues we might face down the road. In order to safeguard those affected by the current TB outbreak in the central region of our nation, masks are advised.
After asking Beiswenger how difficult it would be to amend the law in the event that the state encountered a situation in the future where masks were required, Rep. Mark Sauter, a Republican from Sandpoint, voted against the bill.
The Idaho House passed House Bill 32 by a vote of 51–17 after a brief debate.
Together with the eight Democrats who were on the floor on Wednesday, nine house Republicans voted against the bill.
Next on the agenda is the Idaho Senate, which will discuss House Bill 32.
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