Masks: individual or public health.

Assembly Member Ahrens proposes establishing a statutory right for Californians to wear masks in public places for health protection, codifying personal choice in mask use across a broad range of settings from businesses to government buildings.

The legislation defines masks to include filtering facepiece respirators like N95s, surgical masks, cloth masks, and other personal protective equipment. It specifies eight categories of public places where the right applies, including businesses, government buildings, transportation, healthcare facilities, educational institutions, and workplaces. The bill preserves existing requirements for temporary mask removal in specific circumstances, such as identity verification, vehicle operation, occupational qualifications, and emergency medical care.

Current California law addresses mask use in particular contexts, including pandemic stockpiles, healthcare settings, and cannabis operations. This measure would create a comprehensive framework establishing mask wearing as an individual right while maintaining necessary exceptions for security, safety and operational requirements.