Staff Reports
The North Carolina House of Representatives is considering changes to a proposed legislation that targets protestors. The Senate passed the bill 30-15, which takes aim at people wearing masks in public and those blocking roads or emergency vehicles. Critics have been vocal about the bill, particularly its requirement for everyone to remove masks in public, even those with health concerns.
The proposed legislation, presented by Sen. Buck Newton, aims to address protests in the state related to fossil fuels and road blockages. It also touches on university campuses, where tensions have arisen in connection to the conflict between Hamas and Israel.
Modifications expected for proposed North Carolina mask legislation https://t.co/HtqcWddQaF
— John Solomon (@jsolomonReports) May 17, 2024
The bill addresses the use of masks, which has historical roots dating back 71 years to the activities of the Ku Klux Klan. The lawmakers made changes during the COVID-19 pandemic in accordance with federal and state health officials’ recommendations.
Sen. Newton has pushed back against the criticism, stating that he believes law enforcement and district attorneys would use discretion in enforcing the law, especially when it comes to individuals with health concerns.
Rep. Destin Hall, chairman of the House’s rules committee, has indicated that changes to the bill are possible, and adjustments could be made in the next couple of weeks.
The proposed legislation seeks to address public safety concerns related to protests and blockages. Critics argue that the bill may infringe upon the rights of individuals, especially those with health concerns regarding mask-wearing. The debate surrounding the bill underscores the tension between public safety and individual freedoms, an issue that continues to be contentious in the state.
