An Arkansas judge has struck down the state’s law prohibiting schools and other government entities from requiring masks.
Pulaski County Circuit Judge Tim Fox issued the ruling on Wednesday, months after he temporarily blocked the state from enforcing the ban.
More than 100 public charter schools and school districts imposed mask mandates following Fox’s ruling in August, though many have since eased or lifted them altogether.
Republican Gov. Asa Hutchinson signed the ban into law in April, but said Wednesday he is pleased with the judge’s decision as COVID-19 cases surge.
Fox found the law unconstitutional, including on grounds that it discriminates between children in public versus private schools. Private schools were not barred from requiring masks under the law.
Associated Press
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