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HB 1259

CRIME: Provides relative to wearing masks in public (RE SEE FISC NOTE GF EX)

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Mike Bayham

Louisiana HB 1259 would restrict or prohibit wearing masks in public with defined exemptions and penalties for violations.

Received in the Senate. Read first time by title and placed on the Calendar for a second reading.
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 1259

Overview

HB 1259 (Louisiana, 2026) addresses the wearing of masks in public. The bill specifies prohibitions or restrictions related to displaying or wearing facial coverings in public spaces and outlines penalties and enforcement provisions. The measure is sponsored with a co-sponsor noted as Mike Bayham.

Purpose and intent

  • Establish rules governing when and where individuals may wear masks in public.
  • Create potential penalties for violations with the aim of regulating public masking in specified contexts.

Key provisions and changes

  • Prohibition/Restriction: The bill sets forth conditions under which wearing a mask in public would be restricted or prohibited. Specifics in the text determine whether the prohibition applies universally or in certain locations, times, or circumstances.
  • Definitions: It defines terms related to “mask” or “facial covering” and “public” to specify the scope of the restrictions.
  • Exemptions: The bill typically includes exemptions (e.g., for medical needs, religious practices, allowed costumes, or safety personnel); the exact exemptions would be specified in the statute.
  • Penalties and enforcement: The measure prescribes penalties for violations, which may include fines, citation processes, or other enforcement mechanisms. It may designate responsible enforcement agencies (e.g., local law enforcement, state police) and outline procedural steps for issuing penalties.
  • Preemption or local authority: The bill may address whether the restrictions are statewide or permitting local jurisdictions to enact stricter or looser rules, and whether waivers or exemptions can be granted.

Affected parties and scope

  • Individuals who would be subject to the masking restrictions in public spaces.
  • Businesses, schools, and government facilities operating under the statutory framework, depending on where the mask restrictions apply.
  • Law enforcement and local government entities responsible for enforcing the prohibition and handling penalties.

procedural and timeline aspects

  • Status: Read by title (as of 2026-05-19), indicating the bill has advanced to a stage where it is being reviewed in the legislative process.
  • Next steps typically include committee consideration, potential amendments, floor debate, and votes in both chambers, followed by enrollment and signature if it passes.
  • If enacted, the bill would specify an effective date or dates, indicating when the provisions would take effect.

Notes

  • The available information provides the general scope and intent but does not include the verbatim text or detailed specifics (e.g., exact locations, exemptions, or penalty amounts). For precise application, consult the bill’s full language, the Louisiana Legislature’s bill history, and any fiscal notes or committee reports.
  • The sponsor listed alongside the bill is Mike Bayham (co-sponsor), signaling legislative support or collaboration.

If you’d like, I can pull the official bill text or a more detailed breakdown from the Louisiana legislature to provide exact provisions, exemptions, and penalty amounts.

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

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