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Pennsylvania State Senate
04/19/2024 12:50 AM
Pennsylvania State Senate
https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/Legis/CSM/showMemoPublic.cfm?Chamber=S&SPick=20210&cosponId=36054
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Senate of Pennsylvania
Session of 2021 - 2022 Regular Session

MEMORANDUM

Posted: August 5, 2021 12:40 PM
From: Senator Doug Mastriano and Sen. Judy Ward
To: All Senate members
Subject: Parental Choice Regarding Mask Mandates in School
 
In the near future, we plan to introduce legislation to allow parents and legal guardians to “opt-out” their child from having to comply with a school’s mask mandate.

As we approach the upcoming school year, a number of K-12 school districts around the state have already declared that they will be enforcing mask mandates for all students in the fall.

These mandates are being implemented despite limited data that clearly demonstrates the benefits of mask-wearing in a school setting.

We have heard from parents around the state who are concerned about the negative impacts of mask-wearing on their child to include:
  • Adverse health effects
  • Inhibited breathing
  • Stunted psychological development
  • Decreased communication skills with other students
  • Learning impairment
Our legislation will mandate all school districts to develop (and abide by) a form that will allow parents or legal guardians to sign off on “opting-out” their child from a mask mandate.

Furthermore, the form must clearly state that the child is not to be isolated, separated from classmates, or otherwise left out of participation in school activities.

We believe that parents and legal guardians have the fundamental right to make health and educational decisions that are best suited for their children.

Please join us in co-sponsoring this important legislation.
 


Introduced as SB846