Judge weighs challenge to Arizona ban on school mask mandate

By BOB CHRISTIE
Associated Press

PHOENIX (AP) — A judge is considering whether to overturn several new Arizona laws that restrict the power of cities, counties and school districts to impose COVID-19 restrictions like mask mandates. She heard arguments in the lawsuit Monday. A coalition of educators, parents and children’s advocacy groups argue that the provisions were unconstitutionally tucked into several unrelated budget bills. They say the highly contagious delta variant of COVID-19 makes the need for masks more pressing. A lawyer for the state attorney general says how the Legislature writes measures is a question for lawmakers, not the courts. The laws also prohibit universities from requiring vaccinations and bar requirements that people to show they’re inoculated to get into businesses.