Louisiana Senate Bill SR69

Louisiana 2020 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/29/20

Caption

Requests the governor to issue an executive order requiring persons over age two to wear a mask or cloth face covering and authorizes business operators and building owners to deny admittance to individuals over age two who fail to wear a mask or cloth face covering.

Impact

If this resolution leads to an executive order, it will have significant implications for public health policies in Louisiana. By instituting a mandate for mask-wearing in publicly accessible areas, the resolution aims to promote compliance with health guidelines during the pandemic, potentially reducing transmission rates of COVID-19. The regulations would thus align state law with public health recommendations and create a more structured approach to managing the health emergency while addressing safety concerns in communal spaces.

Summary

Senate Resolution 69, introduced by Senator Carter, urges the governor of Louisiana to issue an executive order mandating that any individual over the age of two who can tolerate it must wear a mask or cloth face covering in public places or when social distancing is not feasible. This resolution highlights the ongoing efforts to combat the health crisis arising from the COVID-19 pandemic by establishing regulations for public safety concerning mask usage. The bill empowers business operators and property owners to deny entry to those who do not comply with the mask-wearing requirement, providing a mechanism for enforcing the proposed health measures while also emphasizing individual responsibility.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SR69 appears to be supportive among health advocates and those concerned about public safety, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Those in favor believe that the mask mandate is a crucial step in mitigating the spread of the virus and protecting vulnerable populations. Conversely, there may be some contention, particularly among individuals who view such mandates as governmental overreach or an infringement on personal freedoms, which could lead to pushback from certain sectors within the community.

Contention

A notable point of contention arises from the balance between public health and individual liberties. Supporters of SR69 argue that mandating mask-wearing in public places is essential for health and safety, especially given the current climate of the pandemic. Opponents may raise concerns about enforcement and the implications of allowing businesses to refuse entry based on compliance with mask mandates. The discussion highlights larger debates about the role of government in regulating personal behavior in the interests of community health and safety.