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HB 94

An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, in school health services, providing for face covering or mask mandate opt out.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jake Banta and 15 co-sponsors

Allows Pennsylvania parents to opt out of school mask mandates without specifying exemption grounds or limiting factors.

Referred to Health
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Bill Summary · HB 94

Legislative bill overview

HB 94 amends Pennsylvania's Public School Code to allow parents or guardians to opt out of any school mask or face-covering mandates. The bill provides an exemption mechanism for families who object to such health policies on unspecified grounds.

Why is this important

Mask mandates in schools have been a significant point of contention since the COVID-19 pandemic, touching on questions of parental authority, public health decision-making, and individual choice in educational settings. This bill directly addresses whether schools can require face coverings during illness outbreaks or other health emergencies, with real consequences for disease transmission prevention and school operations during health crises.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope of exemption grounds: The bill doesn't specify whether opt-outs require medical, religious, or philosophical justification—or if they're unrestricted—which affects how broadly masks could be avoided during outbreaks
  • Public health vs. individual choice: Tension between protecting vulnerable students (immunocompromised, very young, or medically fragile peers) versus parental autonomy in health decisions
  • School authority limitations: Questions about whether schools retain any power to implement emergency health measures during disease surges or epidemiological threats

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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