Palmetto State News

A bipartisan group of state lawmakers wants a special legislative session to reconsider a ban on mask mandates in schools, The State reported.

State Sens. Brad Hutto (D-Orangeburg); Ronnie Sabb, (D-Williamsburg); Luke Rankin (R-Horry) and Sandy Senn (R-Charleston), requested the special session in a letter to Senate President Harvey Peeler, (R-Cherokee), according to The State.

"Welcome back to school Horry! " Rankin tweeted. "While I know there remains uncertainty as our teachers, students, and staff enter the classroom, I am confident each and every one of you will excel given the talent and tenacity I witness first-hand on a daily basis in our community!"

The ban was approved by the legislature in June. Since then, COVID-19 cases in South Carolina have been rising and one school district has converted to virtual learning for at least a week, the newspaper reported.

“When originally passed, many may have thought COVID-19 was well under control,” said the letter to Peeler. “ Now, many in the Senate would like to revisit this proviso given the current conditions.”

The city of Columbia and Richland County Council have re-imposed mask mandates, The State reported. Fire marshals enforce the mandate in Columbia, The State said.

Gov. Henry McMaster said the decision on whether to rescind the ban on mask mandates is up to the Legislature.

“That’s a decision that rests with House and Senate leadership,” McMaster spokesman Brian Symmes said, according to The State. “The governor’s position remains the same with respect to masking in schools, and that is parents are the ultimate experts when it comes to a child’s health and a child’s safety, and if we’re going to have any conversation about masking in schools, the conversation has to start with accounting for and appreciating a parent’s opinion as to what is best for their child.”