Republican lawmakers in North Carolina reached a compromise on a masking bill, maintaining a health exemption while banning mask use during criminal activity. The state Senate passed the bill 28-0, with Senate Democrats absent in protest. The House postponed its vote after lengthy discussions among House Republicans.
The bill, partly prompted by mask-wearing protesters at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, now allows medical or surgical grade masks for disease prevention. It also permits private property owners to request mask removal for identification.
Additionally, the bill facilitates federal political committees in transferring contributions to state and county parties. Senate Democrats withheld votes, citing insufficient review time and labeling the finance provisions as potential “political money laundering.”
The bill retains enhanced punishments for mask-wearing during crimes or traffic blockages. House Speaker Tim Moore indicated the bill will undergo further review before a House vote next Tuesday.
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