S173 - Free the Smiles Act. (Ratified)

Overview: SB 173 would have done the following:

• Allow parents to opt their children out of face covering requirements in public school units.
• Prohibit children not wearing face coverings from being treated differently than children wearing face coverings.
• Limit the liability for public school units when allowing parental opt-out of face covering requirements, unless the act or omission amounts to gross negligence, willful or wanton conduct, or intentional wrongdoing.
• Repeal the requirement for monthly votes on face covering policies in public school units for the current school year.

SB 173 was ratified by the General Assembly on February 17, 2022, and was vetoed by the Governor on February 24, 2022.