North Carolina Senate Advances Bill to Ban Public Mask-Wearing

Legislation targets pandemic-era exemptions, sparking debate over public health and protest rights.

Republican lawmakers passed the bill 30-15 along party lines.
The bill aims to criminalize mask-wearing during crimes and protests.
Democrats argue it risks public health, especially for immunocompromised individuals.
The bill returns public masking rules to pre-pandemic regulations from 1953.
The bill now heads to the House, where further amendments are possible.