Arkansas Gov. regrets signing ban on school mask mandates

Arkansas Republican Governor Asa Hutchinson says he now regrets signing a ban on mask mandates in schools.

He is now asking the state legislature to reverse the decision.

“Well, I signed it at the time because our cases were at a very low point. I knew it’d be overridden by the legislature if I didn’t sign it … I already eliminated our statewide mask mandate,” said Hutchinson.

“I signed it for those reasons that our cases were at a low point. Everything has changed now. And yes, in hindsight I wish that had not become law,” added Hutchinson. “But it is the law, and the only chance we have is either to amend it or for the courts to say that it has an unconstitutional foundation.”

His comments come as cases of COVID-19 continue to surge in the state with a 7-day average of 1,911 new cases on Sunday, compared to only 475 new cases a month earlier on July 1.

“The local school districts should make the call, and they should have more options to make sure that their school is a safe environment during a very challenging time for education,” said Hutchinson.

He also urged students to get vaccinated.

“They need to get vaccinated. Parents can make the choice, the students could make the choice to get vaccinated.”