Cooper signs bill to legalize masks indefinitely into law
Starting in August, it won’t be illegal for people in North Carolina to wear face masks, with Gov. Roy Cooper signing legislation into law that will allow the face coverings for public health reasons indefinitely.
The change is intended to help fight the spread of the coronavirus. Cooper has made mask-wearing mandatory in public until at least July 17, although he could extend that.
Until earlier this year, it had been illegal to wear masks in public in North Carolina because of a 1950s law targeted at the KKK.
Senate Bill 232, which Cooper signed Friday afternoon, also includes language to repeal a controversial public records provision in Senate Bill 168 if signed into law. However, Cooper vetoed SB 168 Monday.
“The overwhelming support for this legislation demonstrates support among state leaders for wearing a mask to slow the spread of COVID-19,” Cooper said in a press release. “This is important as we move forward to limit the spread of the virus so we can educate our children and push the economy forward.”
When lawmakers reconvened this spring, they voted to suspend the 1950s law until Aug. 1. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends cloth face coverings to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus.
Rep. Darren Jackson, a Democrat from Wake County, tried several times during the session to extend the measure beyond Aug. 1 by adding amendments into varying bills. Those measures failed until this week, when the House introduced SB 232.
The bill passed the House floor Tuesday and the Senate floor Wednesday.
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This story was originally published July 10, 2020 at 3:29 PM with the headline "Cooper signs bill to legalize masks indefinitely into law."
