PA considering new bill to make not wearing a mask a misdemeanor

Senate Bill 1287, introduced on Sept. 8, would rule not wearing a mask in public as a second-degree misdemeanor

by: Kelsey Rogers

Posted: Sep 15, 2020 / 08:06 PM EDT / Updated: Sep 15, 2020 / 08:08 PM EDT

FILE- In this Jan. 15, 2019, file photo an America flag flies at the Pennsylvania Capitol building in Harrisburg, Pa. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke, File)

HARRISBURG, Pa. (WTAJ) — A bill that is being considered in the Senate by Pennsylvania lawmakers could make being maskless in public a misdemeanor.

Senate Bill 1287, introduced on Sept. 8, would rule not wearing a mask in public as a second-degree misdemeanor of recklessly endangering another person, according to the bill.

Generally, recklessly endangering another person is defined as a person recklessly engaging in conduct which places or may place another person in danger of death or serious bodily injury.

“A person commits a misdemeanor of the second degree if the person willfully fails to wear a mask or other face-covering that is necessary to protect public health as a result of a declaration by the
Governor of disaster emergency,” the bill states.

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