Richmond, Va. (Newsradiowrva.com) - The State Senate took a major step towards making masks in schools optional everywhere in Virginia by passing a bill that creates the option. The bill now heads to the House of Delegates, where it is expected to pass. Governor Glenn Youngkin (R) is expected to insert an emergency clause and send it back to the General ASsembly, so it will take effect before July 1st.
Democrats Sen. Joe Morrissey and Sen. Chap Petersen voted with Republicans to get the bill through. Senator Creigh Deeds (D-Bath) pleaded with Senators not to pass it, saying we do not know what the next variant will bring. Sen. Siobhan Dunnavant (R-Henrico), however, said the only mitigation measure that works is the Covid-19 vaccine.
Youngkin has an executive order that does the same thing as this bill that is currently being challenged in the courts. Richmond Schools Superintendent Jason Kamras took to twitter prior to the vote to ask that districts be able to chose their own policies.
