SUMMARY:  LC 49 0846-EC  SB 514/FA

The Governor's "Unmask Georgia Students Act."  The bill creates an exception to the statutory authority of the local superintendent and board to make rules to govern their school district.

It prohibits local boards from making or enforcing any rule requiring students to wear face masks or coverings in the school, on school grounds, or other property owned or operated by the school district UNLESS the rule allows a parent to opt their child out of the requirement without providing a reason or any certification of the child's health or education status. It also prohibits students from suffering any adverse disciplinary or academic consequences as a result of that choice.

Superintendents are prohibited from making or enforcing a mask mandate unless it meets the above description.

It prohibits any administrator, teacher, or other school personnel acting within the scope of their employment from making or enforcing any rule requiring masks unless it meets the above description. 

None of this can be waived. 

The statutes would be repealed June 30, 2027. (Repeal date was extended from 2023 to 2027 in this version of the bill)

EFFECTIVE DATE:

Upon approval of the Governor