HB1175 • 2026

Face masks; prohibit public schools and universities and colleges from requiring students to wear.

AN ACT TO PROHIBIT PUBLIC SCHOOLS, COMMUNITY AND JUNIOR COLLEGES AND STATE INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER LEARNING FROM REQUIRING STUDENTS TO WEAR FACE MASKS; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

Education Labor

Did Not Pass

The latest official action shows that this bill did not move forward in that session.

Sponsor: Crawford
Last action: 2026-02-03
Official status: Dead
Effective date: July 1, 20

Plain English Breakdown

The official source material does not mention that parents have the sole discretion to allow their children to wear face masks. This claim was removed as it is unsupported by the provided text.

Ban on Face Mask Requirements for Students

This bill stops public schools, community colleges, and universities from making students wear face masks.

What This Bill Does

Stops school boards, superintendents, local officials, or employees from requiring students to wear face masks.
Does not stop safety equipment requirements for certain classes.

Who It Names or Affects

Public school students
Community college and university students

Terms To Know

Face mask requirement: A rule that makes people wear face masks in public places.
Occupational safety requirements: Rules about safety equipment needed for certain jobs or activities.

Limits and Unknowns

The bill did not pass and will not become a law.
It does not apply to safety equipment required by occupational or laboratory rules.

Bill History

2026-02-03 Mississippi Legislative Bill Status System
02/03 (H) Died In Committee
2026-01-19 Mississippi Legislative Bill Status System
01/19 (H) Referred To Education

Official Summary Text

Face masks; prohibit public schools and universities and colleges from requiring students to wear.

Current Bill Text

Read the full stored bill text

H. B. No. 1175 *HR26/R1025* ~ OFFICIAL ~ G1/2
26/HR26/R1025
PAGE 1 (DJ\KW)

To: Education
MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE REGULAR SESSION 2026

By: Representative Crawford

HOUSE BILL NO. 1175

AN ACT TO PROHIBIT PUBLIC SCHOOLS, COMMUNITY AND JUNIOR 1
COLLEGES AND STATE INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER LEARNING FROM REQUIRING 2
STUDENTS TO WEAR FACE MASKS; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES. 3
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI: 4
SECTION 1. The school board of a local school district, a 5
school district superintendent, an elected or appointed local 6
official, or an employee of a school district may not require a 7
student to wear a face mask, face shield or any other facial 8
covering that fits over the mouth or nose. However, a parent, in 9
the parent's sole discretion, may allow the parent's child to wear 10
a face mask, face shield or other facial covering that fits over 11
the mouth or nose. The prohibition in this section does not apply 12
to safety equipment required as part of a course of study 13
consistent with occupational or laboratory safety requirements. 14
SECTION 2. The president of a state institution of higher 15
learning or public community or junior college, an elected or 16
appointed local official, or a policy making body or individual 17
employee of a state institution of higher learning or community or 18
H. B. No. 1175 *HR26/R1025* ~ OFFICIAL ~
26/HR26/R1025
PAGE 2 (DJ\KW)
ST: Face masks; prohibit public schools and
universities and colleges from requiring
students to wear.
junior college may not require a student to wear a face mask, face 19
shield or any other facial covering that fits over the mouth or 20
nose. However, a student, in the student's sole discretion, may 21
elect to wear a face mask, face shield or other facial covering 22
that fits over the mouth or nose. The prohibition in this section 23
does not apply to safety equipment required as part of a course of 24
study consistent with occupational or laboratory safety 25
requirements. 26
SECTION 3. This act shall take effect and be in force from 27
and after July 1, 2026. 28