DES MOINES, Iowa - Any mask requirements in any Iowa cities, counties or schools are no longer in effect.
Governor Kim Reynolds signed a bill banning the requirements just after midnight Thursday morning.
The Republican majority in the state legislature introduced and passed the ban in the final hours of the session before adjourning for the year late Wednesday night.
Reynolds’ signature overrides many Iowa school districts that chose to leave mask orders in place for the final days of the current school year.
A majority of cities in the state had already dropped their mask orders this week after the Centers for Disease Control said vaccinated people no longer needed to wear them.
Republicans say they passed the ban after constantly hearing from complaints from residents about mask orders.
Democrats says the ban is an overreach into local government decisions, and could harm children and teachers, especially children at risk for disease.
Governor Reynolds released a statement early Thursday morning praising the action.
“The state of Iowa is putting parents back in control of their child’s education and taking greater steps to protect the rights of all Iowans to make their own health care decisions,” said Gov. Reynolds. “I am proud to be a governor of a state that values personal responsibility and individual liberties. I want to thank the Iowa Legislature for their quick work in bringing this bill to my desk so that it can be signed into law.”