Texas Gov. Greg Abbott issued an order on May 18 that bars local governments and schools from requiring masks indoors, just days after federal health officials relaxed guidance related to face coverings for vaccinated people.
Local Texas governments have to end their mask mandates by May 21, the executive order states, and schools have to do the same by June 4. If local governments fail to comply, they could face fines of up to $1,000, according to a statement from the governor’s office.
