New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Senate Bill S02341

Introduced
1/16/25  
Refer
1/16/25  

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 S02341 seeks to amend the executive law in New York by prohibiting state agencies from enforcing mask and face covering mandates for individuals under the age of eighteen who are not exhibiting COVID-19-related symptoms. This legislation specifically targets public places and organized sporting activities, ensuring that minors are not required to wear masks unless they show symptoms as defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The bill aims to provide clarity and freedom for young individuals in public settings, particularly in light of ongoing discussions about mask mandates during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Impact

If enacted, this bill would significantly alter the regulatory landscape regarding public health mandates in New York, particularly those related to COVID-19. It would prevent state agencies from issuing any guidance that contradicts the provisions of this bill, thereby limiting the ability of state health officials to impose mask mandates on minors in various public settings. This could lead to a more relaxed approach to health regulations concerning youth, potentially influencing local policies and practices in schools and recreational programs.

Sentiment

The sentiment around Bill S02341 appears to be mixed, with supporters arguing that it promotes personal freedom and reduces unnecessary restrictions on children, while opponents may express concerns about public health implications and the potential for increased COVID-19 transmission among youth. The lack of recent voting history or committee discussions indicates that the bill is still in the early stages of consideration, and further debate is likely as it progresses.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the balance between public health safety and individual freedoms. Proponents of the bill, primarily from certain political factions, argue that it is essential to protect the rights of minors and their families to make personal health decisions. Conversely, public health advocates and some lawmakers may contend that such measures could undermine efforts to control the spread of COVID-19, particularly in settings where children gather, such as schools and sports events.

Companion Bills

NY A04309

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 A04309

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.