Lawmakers in Pennsylvania are considering a bill that would make not wearing a mask in public against the law.
Senate Bill 1287 says that failing to wear a mask or another face covering during the pandemic would be akin to "recklessly endangering another person." It would be a second-degree misdemeanor.
"Failure to adhere to emergency order. 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," the bill text reads.
State Rep. Tim O'Neal, a Republican, told NorthcentralPA.com he opposes the legislation.
"While we should all wear masks, keep our social distance, and wash our hands in order to protect our community, no fines or criminal charges should be filed against those who do not follow the governor's mask mandate," he said.
"Our law enforcement officers have enough on their plates. They should not be turned into the mask police."
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