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AB-1326 • 2026

Health masks: right to wear.

Health masks: right to wear.

Healthcare Labor
Vetoed

The latest official action shows the governor vetoed this bill. Check the bill history to see whether lawmakers later overrode that veto.

Sponsor
Ahrens
Last action
Official status
Vetoed
Effective date
Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

The official status shows the bill was vetoed, but it is unclear if a legislative override occurred as of the last action date provided.

Health Masks: Right to Wear

This vetoed bill proposed giving people a legal right to wear health masks in public places for safety reasons, while keeping rules that require mask removal for security or medical needs.

What This Bill Does

  • Creates a new right for individuals to wear health masks on their face in public places.
  • Allows wearing masks to protect personal health or public health from communicable disease, air quality issues, or other health factors.
  • Defines what counts as a 'health mask' and a 'public place' under this law.
  • States that the right to wear a mask does not stop security rules requiring identification.
  • Clarifies that workplace safety needs can still require removing masks for essential tasks.

Who It Names or Affects

  • Individuals who want to wear health masks in public places.
  • Businesses and employers with security or safety protocols involving face coverings.
  • Healthcare workers following emergency care rules that may involve mask removal.

Terms To Know

health mask
A covering worn on the face to protect against disease, poor air quality, or other health risks as defined by this bill.
public place
An area open to the public where individuals have a right to wear masks under this law.

Limits and Unknowns

  • The governor vetoed this bill, so it did not become active state law.
  • It is unclear if lawmakers later voted to override the governor's veto based on available information.
  • The text does not list specific penalties for violating these rules.

Bill History

  1. California Legislative Information

    Vetoed

Official Summary Text

Health masks: right to wear.