Commonwealth Policy Center

A bill in the Kentucky legislature would give parents the choice on whether or not to mask their children before sending them to school. Lynn Bechler the bill sponsor said a one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work. He said that “the data shows us children are least likely to catch, spread or suffer from COVID-19, and keeping them masked has had little to no effect these last few years.” While not everyone agrees, Bechler added that “giving local control is ultimately about giving people a choice in what impacts them the most…. I can’t think of a greater example of this than allowing parents to choose whether or not to mask a child. Parents can make their own informed decision when it comes to this, and college students should be able to do the same. I look forward to seeing all the smiles on children’s faces.” The bill passed out of the House education committee and may be heard by the full House soon.