(a) Except as provided by Subsection (b), a governmental entity may not implement, order, or otherwise impose a mandate requiring a person to wear a face mask or other face covering to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
(b) The limitation prescribed by Subsection (a) does not apply to an order or mandate that relates to:
(1) a state supported living center, as defined by Section 531.002 , subject to any applicable rule or guidance prescribed by the commission that conflicts with that limitation;
(2) a facility operated by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice or the Texas Juvenile Justice Department or a municipal or county jail, subject to any applicable rule or guidance prescribed by the Commission on Jail Standards that conflicts with that limitation; or
(3) a hospital or other health care facility owned by a governmental entity, including a hospital or other health care clinic operated by or associated with an institution of higher education, as that term is defined by Section 61.003 , Education Code, subject to any applicable order, ordinance, or guidance prescribed by that governmental entity that conflicts with that limitation.
Added by Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 336 (S.B. 29 ), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2023.
Redesignated from Health and Safety Code, Chapter 81B by Acts 2025, 89th Leg., R.S., Ch. 204 (H.B. 1620 ), Sec. 22.001(19), eff. September 1, 2025.
