Ark. Code Ann. § 20-7-144: Prohibition on mandatory use of face mask, face shield, or other face covering

(a) The General Assembly reserves the right to enact legislation regarding the mandatory use of face masks, face shields, or other face coverings. (b) A state agency or entity, a political subdivision of the state, or a state or local official shall not mandate an individual in this state to use a face mask, face shield, or other face covering. (c) The use of a face mask, face shield, or other face covering shall not be a condition for entry, education, or services. (d) If a state agency or entity, a political subdivision of the state, or a state or local official recommends that an individual in this state use a face mask, face shield, or other face covering, a state agency or entity, a political subdivision of the state, or a state or local official shall provide notice that the recommendation is not mandatory. (e) This section does not apply to a face covering requirement imposed by: (1) A private business; (2) A state-owned or state-controlled healthcare facility; (3) A facility operated by the Department of Corrections; or (4) A facility operated by the Division of Youth Services. Added by Act 2021, No. 1002,§ 2, eff. 4/28/2021.

(a) The General Assembly reserves the right to enact legislation regarding the mandatory use of face masks, face shields, or other face coverings.

(b) A state agency or entity, a political subdivision of the state, or a state or local official shall not mandate an individual in this state to use a face mask, face shield, or other face covering.

(c) The use of a face mask, face shield, or other face covering shall not be a condition for entry, education, or services.

(d) If a state agency or entity, a political subdivision of the state, or a state or local official recommends that an individual in this state use a face mask, face shield, or other face covering, a state agency or entity, a political subdivision of the state, or a state or local official shall provide notice that the recommendation is not mandatory.

(e) This section does not apply to a face covering requirement imposed by: (1) A private business; (2) A state-owned or state-controlled healthcare facility; (3) A facility operated by the Department of Corrections; or (4) A facility operated by the Division of Youth Services.

(1) A private business;

(2) A state-owned or state-controlled healthcare facility;

(3) A facility operated by the Department of Corrections; or

(4) A facility operated by the Division of Youth Services.