Alabama Representative Brock Colvin Proposes Bill: Montgomery, Ala. (WIAT) One of our Alabama representatives is taking a stand against future mask mandates. Rep. Brock Colvin (R-Albertville) is behind the wheel of this initiative, citing concerns from constituents about government overreach during the pandemic.
Alabama had a statewide mask mandate from July 15, 2020, to April 7, 2021. Colvin’s proposed bill, HB9, aims to prevent government entities and the State Health Officer from imposing any face mask mandates for COVID-19 or other communicable diseases.
“This bill is about limiting government authority. It’s not diving into the science of whether masks work or not. It’s straightforward: as a conservative Republican, I believe in limited government,” Colvin stated.
The bill carves out exceptions for medical facilities and state or local detention centers, leaving businesses unaffected. Colvin emphasizes that the decision to wear a mask should be a personal one.
“The state health officer is an unelected bureaucrat. I’m not entirely sure where he gets his authority. If he wants to make recommendations, that’s fine, but giving him outright authority to mandate masks? I trust the people to make that decision for themselves,” Colvin added.
State Health Officer Dr. Scott Harris responded to the bill in a statement:
“This bill will be on the table for discussion in the upcoming legislative session starting on Feb. 6, 2024.”
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