Fact vs. Fiction: North Carolina Statewide Ban on Face Masks

Reasoning: The claim originates from an Instagram post showing a crowd of masked people with a text overlay stating, “MASKS BANNED IN NORTH CAROLINA DUE TO CRIMINAL CONCERNS.” However, this post misrepresents the status and implications of House Bill 237 (HB 237).

HB 237 was introduced to address the legalities of wearing masks in public. Initially, the bill sought to increase penalties for crimes committed while wearing a mask. Over time, it evolved to amend a 1953 law prohibiting face coverings in public, with several exemptions added over the years, including an exemption during the COVID-19 pandemic for health reasons.

Key points include:

1. Initial Bill and Historical Context: The original 1953 law, § 14-12.7, prohibited wearing masks in public to prevent concealment of identity, with exemptions for specific scenarios like holiday costumes, work-related safety, and theatrical performances. In 2019, an exemption was added to allow mask-wearing for health and safety during the COVID-19 pandemic.
2. Senate and House Actions: On May 15, 2024, the North Carolina Senate, led by Republicans, passed a version of HB 237 aiming to remove the 2019 health exemption. The Instagram post references this vote, suggesting a complete ban on masks.
3. House Non-Concurrence: On May 22, 2024, the state House voted not to concur with the Senate’s version of the bill, sending it back to committee for further revisions. This indicates that no final decision or statewide ban had been implemented at that time.
4. Revised Bill: On June 6, 2024, the committee revised the bill to specifically allow exemptions for medical or surgical-grade masks to prevent the spread of contagious diseases. This change aimed to ensure public health measures could still be legally upheld.

The Instagram post exaggerates the scope and finality of the legislative actions. The bill had not passed through all necessary legislative stages to become law, and the revisions indicated an intent to maintain certain health-related exemptions.

Fact or Fiction? Fiction.