NC Lawmakers OK Bill Giving Student Opt-Out To Mask Mandates

RALEIGH, N.C. — A bill headed to Gov. Roy Cooper’s desk would let North Carolina parents allow their K-12 students to opt out of mask mandates set by local education boards.

The General Assembly wrapped up voting on the measure Thursday as Cooper held a news conference to announce he was encouraging local governments to end broad mask requirements.

He didn’t say what he’d do with the bill but said he’s got β€œconcerns that it’s unwise and irresponsible.”

School districts set their own mask policies, and over half of the state’s 115 districts have now agreed to make masks optional as COVID-19 transmission rates are falling.