Motion filed in Arkansas mask mandate case

Little Rock, Arkansas – Asking the state’s highest court to review the merits of a court ruling last year on banning mask mandates in schools, a motion has been filed by the Arkansas Attorney General’s office.

On Feb. 10, the motion was filed with the Arkansas Supreme Court on the case, involving Veronica McClane, a Pulaski County parent as well as the Marion School District.

Circuit Judge Tim Fox struck down a state law on the issue on Dec. 29, saying it discriminated between children in public and private schools.

Fox issued a temporary order blocking the state from enforcing the law passed by the state legislature.

In December, nearly 100 charter and public school districts approved mandates after the temporary order but most have either lifted or eased the mandates as COVID-19 numbers fluctuated.

According to Deputy Solicitor General Vincent M. Wagner, he was asking for justices to look at Fox’s decision.

“Because the circuit court has entered a final judgment, which the State of Arkansas recently appealed, this interlocutory appeal is now moot,” Wagner said. “Rather than pursuing a moot appeal, in this case, the State will proceed on appeal of the final judgment.”

A decision on whether the justices will take up the case is expected by Feb. 24.