New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Assembly Bill A04309

Introduced
2/4/25  
Refer
2/4/25  

Caption

Prohibits state agencies from promulgating rules, regulations or any form of guidance requiring individuals under the age of eighteen who are not exhibiting COVID-19 related symptoms, as defined by the centers for disease control and prevention, to wear a mask or face covering in a public place or while participating in any recreational or organized sporting activity.

Summary

Bill A04309 seeks to amend the executive law of New York by prohibiting state agencies from enforcing mask and face covering mandates for individuals under the age of eighteen who are not showing symptoms of COVID-19. This legislation specifically targets rules and regulations that would require these individuals to wear masks in public spaces or during organized sports activities. The bill aims to provide clarity and freedom for minors in situations where they are not exhibiting any COVID-19 related symptoms, as defined by the CDC.

Impact

If enacted, this bill would significantly alter the current landscape of public health mandates in New York, particularly concerning minors. It would prevent state agencies, including public authorities and the judiciary, from implementing any form of mask mandates for minors in specified contexts. This could lead to a decrease in mask usage among children in public settings and organized sports, potentially impacting public health measures aimed at controlling the spread of COVID-19.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding Bill A04309 appears to be mixed, with proponents arguing for personal freedom and parental rights regarding health decisions for children, while opponents may express concerns about public health and safety, particularly in light of ongoing COVID-19 risks. The lack of voting history and committee discussions makes it difficult to gauge the overall legislative support or opposition at this time.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the balance between individual freedoms and public health safety. Supporters of the bill, primarily from certain political factions, argue that it protects the rights of parents and children, while critics, likely from public health advocacy groups, may argue that such a measure could undermine efforts to control the spread of COVID-19 among vulnerable populations.

Companion Bills

NY S02341

Same As Prohibits state agencies from promulgating rules, regulations or any form of guidance requiring individuals under the age of eighteen who are not exhibiting COVID-19 related symptoms, as defined by the centers for disease control and prevention, to wear a mask or face covering in a public place or while participating in any recreational or organized sporting activity.

Previously Filed As

NY S01564

Prohibits state agencies from promulgating rules, regulations or any form of guidance requiring individuals under the age of eighteen who are not exhibiting COVID-19 related symptoms, as defined by the centers for disease control and prevention, to wear a mask or face covering in a public place or while participating in any recreational or organized sporting activity.

NY S02341

Prohibits state agencies from promulgating rules, regulations or any form of guidance requiring individuals under the age of eighteen who are not exhibiting COVID-19 related symptoms, as defined by the centers for disease control and prevention, to wear a mask or face covering in a public place or while participating in any recreational or organized sporting activity.

NY HB125

Travel Mask Mandate Repeal Act of 2023 This bill prohibits federal agencies from mandating the use of masks or face coverings on planes, trains, buses, and other public conveyances and at transportation hubs to prevent the transmission of COVID-19. Specifically, the bill nullifies (1) the rule issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on January 29, 2021, that mandates such use of masks or face coverings; and (2) orders and directives of the Transportation Security Administration that relate to the CDC rule.

NY SB2876

Relating to increasing the criminal penalty for participating in a riot while wearing a mask or other face covering.

NY SB56

Require that agencies promulgating permanent rules publish the rules and associated rulemaking forms on a state website.

NY HB4

To prohibit the use of Federal funds to propose, establish, implement, or enforce any requirement that an individual wear a mask or other face covering, or be vaccinated, to prevent the spread of COVID-19, and for other purposes.

NY HB74

This bill prohibits the use of federal funds to implement or enforce mandates that require individuals to wear face coverings or receive vaccinations to prevent the spread of COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019). The bill provides for an exception that applies in health care settings.

NY S01263

Prohibits a government entity, its political subdivisions, agents or assigns from requiring individuals to wear face coverings or face masks.

NY S08462

Prohibits local, state and federal law enforcement officers from wearing any mask or personal disguise while interacting with the public in the performance of their duties; excludes certain protective masks.

NY A08908

Prohibits local, state and federal law enforcement officers from wearing any mask or personal disguise while interacting with the public in the performance of their duties; excludes certain protective masks.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.