The bill would leave masks optional for students throughout K-12 public schools

OHIO HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES: Majority Communications Department

COLUMBUS, OH (August 25, 2021) – State Reps. Mike Loychik (R-Bazetta) and Jean Schmidt (R-Loveland) announce they have introduced House Bill 400, which would prohibit public schools from mandating students to wear a mask. 

The bill introduction comes as statewide concerns from parents have heightened as several public schools have implemented school mask mandates for children.

“I’ve seen and heard constituent concerns across my district from these mask orders from public schools receiving public taxpayer dollars,” said Loychik. “Through this bill, we are reiterating their opposition as it should be up to the discretion of parents on whether their kids should wear a mask or not.”

House Bill 400 only pertains to students from wearing masks and does not prohibit faculty, staff, and guests from wearing masks or from the school imposing a mandate on them. 

Jean Schmidt, State Representative, (R- Loveland) (File Photo)

Schmidt is also sponsoring the bill amid local residents upset over certain schools implementing student mask mandates.

“I’m disheartened that local school boards are mandating masks for students within the 65th House District and across our state,” said Schmidt. “I anticipate working with Rep. Loychik and several interested parties closely in the coming weeks to move this bill forward in the Legislature to address these rising concerns of Ohioans.”

As of Aug. 19, 2021 according to the American Academy of Pediatrics, among states reporting, only 0.2-1.9 percent of all child COVID-19 cases resulted in hospitalization. Additionally, of states reporting, 0.0-0.03 percent of all child COVID-19 cases resulted in death.

The bill currently has over 20 cosponsors and awaits its first committee hearing.

On Monday of this week, Loveland City School District (LCSD) located in the 65th House District, for which Rep. Jean Schmidt is the elected reprsentative, implemented a mask mandate for students in Pre K-6 and for all staff inside school buildings. That was a change from the original resolution to leave masks optional as parental choice for all grades Pre K-12.

CLICK HERE to read full story of the change in policy at LCSD. 

CLICK HERE for story with LCSD Superintendent Mike Broadwell’s explaining mask policy change.