Bill Text: WV HB2559 | 2023 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Prohibiting mask mandates by the State of West Virginia
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 11-0)
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2023-01-16 - To House Health and Human Resources [HB2559 Detail]
Download: West_Virginia-2023-HB2559-Introduced.html
WEST virginia Legislature
2023 regular session
Introduced
House Bill 2559
By Delegates Crouse, Willis, Mallow, Kump, Forsht, Heckert, Mazzocchi, Miller, Hillenbrand, Kirby, and Chiarelli
[Introduced January 16, 2023; Referred to the Committee on Health and Human Resources]
A BILL to amend the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, by adding thereto a new section, designated §16-1-22; and to amend said code by adding thereto a new section, designated §16-2-18, all relating to prohibiting mask mandates by the State of West Virginia; and prohibiting local health departments in West Virginia from instituting any type of mandatory mask mandate or face covering requirement.
Be it enacted by the Legislature of West Virginia:
ARTICLE 1. state public health system.
§16-1-22. Face covering and mask mandates prohibited.
The Governor and the state health officer may not implement any sort of mandatory face covering or mask requirement. The requirements of §61-6-22 of this code relating to the wearing of masks, hoods or face coverings shall still apply.
ARTICLE 2. local boards of health.
§16-2-18. Prohibition on face coverings and mask mandates.
Local boards of health in West Virginia shall not implement any mandatory face covering or mask requirement, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic or otherwise. The requirements of §61-6-22 of this code relating to the wearing of masks, hoods or face coverings shall still apply.
NOTE: The purpose of this bill is to prohibit a mask or face covering requirement by the State of West Virginia or by local boards of health in West Virginia.
Strike-throughs indicate language that would be stricken from a heading or the present law and underscoring indicates new language that would be added.