State Rep. Brock Colvin (R-Albertville) pre-filed a bill Tuesday that would prohibit government-compelled mask mandates in Alabama.
For months, an increase in COVID-19 cases in the U.S. has caused many to speculate whether the government might try to reinstitute strict masking and social distancing protocols seen during the height of the pandemic if the number of infected continues its upward trend.
Although Alabama released its mask mandates for government employees and schools earlier than many states, protests for compulsory masking continue to this day.
Colvin’s bill would prohibit government entities and the State Health Officer from requiring face mask mandates to prevent spreading diseases like COVID-19. The bill excludes licensed medical facilities and state and local detention facilities.
"In 2020, we saw a massive encroachment on freedom led by the State Health Officer to force citizens across the state of Alabama to wear masks as a result of Covid-19,” Colvin stated. "I do not believe government should mandate anything that encroaches on individual liberty.”
He continued, “This bill will not prohibit private businesses from operating as they see fit. Rather, this bill prevents Big Brother from mandating restrictions on private citizens.”
"There has been little scientific evidence that masks accomplished anything in preventing the spread of Covid," Colvin concluded. "We should be encouraging personal responsibility and empowering families as opposed to allowing government to control the way we move forward.”
Concerns for future masking inducements also led U.S. Sen. Katie Britt (R-Montgomery) to add her name to a bill that would address the issue at a federal level.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email craig.monger@1819news.com.
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