North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper on Thursday vetoed the so-called The “Free Smiles” bill. this would require all public schools to allow students to waive personal coverage.
Most school districts have already voted to end mask mandates as the number of COVID-19s declines. But many school and health officials have noted that there is no guarantee that the new option may not again pose a threat to public health.
Last week, the General Assembly approved the bill on the same day, Cooper and government health officials urged schools to make masks optional by March 7.
In a statement, Cooper said he believed school boards should have the right to make their own decisions.
“Passing laws for political purposes that encourage people to choose which health care rules they want to follow is dangerous and could tie the hands of health officials in the future,” Cooper said.
Current state law requires school boards to vote monthly on mask policy. A new bill would abolish the requirement of monthly votes.
The General Assembly can vote to lift the veto, which will require a 60% majority. The bill was passed by House 76-42 and Senate 28-17.
NC Gov. Cooper vetoes Free Smiles Bill as schools relinquish mask mandates | WFAE 90.7
Source link NC Gov. Cooper vetoes Free Smiles Bill as schools relinquish mask mandates | WFAE 90.7