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SB 471

Education; requires a student to wear a face mask or face covering while present on school property; eliminate automatic repeal provision

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Matt Brass and 10 co-sponsors

Georgia bill makes student face mask wearing on school property a permanent requirement, eliminating the automatic expiration date that would have allowed the mandate to sunset.

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Bill Summary · SB 471

Legislative bill overview

SB 471 mandates that students wear face masks or face coverings while on school property in Georgia. The bill also removes a sunset clause (automatic repeal provision) that would have terminated the mask requirement, making the mandate permanent rather than temporary.

Why is this important

This legislation establishes a binding, indefinite mask policy for all students in Georgia schools, affecting daily operations, student health practices, and parental choice regarding their children's health measures. The removal of the automatic repeal means this requirement cannot expire unless explicitly repealed by future legislation.

Potential points of contention

  • Parental authority and medical choice: Opponents argue mandatory masking infringes on parental rights to make health decisions for their children and limits medical autonomy
  • Scientific justification and timing: Supporters must address why a permanent mask mandate is necessary years after COVID-19 emergency declarations ended, while critics question the ongoing public health rationale
  • Implementation and enforcement: Practical concerns exist about how schools enforce compliance, what constitutes acceptable face coverings, and consequences for non-compliance
  • Student development and social concerns: Questions arise about impacts on speech development, facial recognition for security, classroom engagement, and the psychological effects of prolonged mask-wearing on younger students

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

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