Bill would give parents right to opt out child from mask mandates

Wednesday, February 16, 2022 at 9:27 AM

There will be no penalties for childcare centers

FRANKFORT, Ky. (KT) – Legislation that would give parents the right to opt their students out from mask mandates in Kentucky’s public school and childcare settings passed the House Education Committee on Tuesday.

House Bill 51, sponsored by Rep. Lynn Bechler, R-Marion, would include grades K-12 and higher education institutions.

“We are empowering parents to decide whether or not their own kids wear a mask,” he told the panel. “It’s a well-known fact a one-size-fits-all approach does not work. The data shows us children are least likely to catch, spread or suffer from COVID-19, and keeping them masked has had little to no effect these last few years.”

Bechler said people communicate with more than just voice, and that facial expressions are necessary to understand what the person speaking is trying to get across.

“Giving local control is ultimately about giving people a choice in what impacts them the most,” Bechler said. “I can’t think of a greater example of this than allowing parents to choose whether or not to mask a child. Parents can make their own informed decision when it comes to this, and college students should be able to do the same. I look forward to seeing all the smiles on children’s faces.”

HB 51 also creates safeguards for childcare centers. The legislation clearly states that their license cannot be revoked for refusing to require masks, and they cannot be penalized nor fined by the Cabinet for Health and Family Services.

The measure now heads to the House floor.