Gov. Greg Abbott says Harris County can't impose fine over face mask order

[TexasTowelie]

by Sami Sparber, Texas Tribune


Gov. Greg Abbott said Monday that local officials cannot impose penalties on residents who violate rules about wearing masks in public — including those in Harris County, where county Judge Lina Hidalgo’s mask order went into effect that morning.

“We strongly recommend that everyone wear a mask,” Abbott said at a press conference where he announced his plans for reopening Texas. “However, it's not a mandate. And we make clear that no jurisdiction can impose any type of penalty or fine.

“My executive order, it supersedes local orders, with regard to any type of fine or penalty for anyone not wearing a mask,” he added.

Hidalgo’s order, which carries a penalty of up to $1,000, drew harsh criticism from GOP officials and members of law enforcement. The measure is similar to those ordered by other local officials, such as those in Austin and Dallas.

Read more: https://www.texastribune.org/2020/04/27/harris-face-masks-fine-texas-coronavirus/

[Javaman]

1. better red than dead. that's abbotts motto, better to be a red state have people dead

than do the right thing and try to keep people safe.