prohibiting mandatory mask policies in schools.
HB 361 prohibits school districts from requiring students or staff to wear face masks as a condition of attending school. The law directly affects public and charter schools across the state by removing mandatory mask policies, though it does not prevent voluntary mask use. Key provisions ban school boards from adopting rules that mandate mask-wearing in classrooms or school facilities. The bill became law when Governor Ayotte signed it on July 15, 2025, and takes effect September 13, 2025. It does not address other health measures or mask requirements for specific health conditions.
Bill status
signed
all 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2025
Committee Review
Jun 2025
House Passage
Mar 2025
Senate Passage
Jun 2025
Signed into Law
Jul 2025
Introduced Jan 8, 2025
Signed Jul 22, 2025
Floor votes · House Mar 27, 2025
How they voted
104–99
Passed · 18 other
Total votes 221
Mar 27, 2025
D
Democratic106
91% Nay
I
Independent2
50% Yea
R
Republican113
90% Yea
Vote distribution
All Yea
All Nay
Mixed
No data
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
18
Key actions
8
Committee
6
Jul 22, 2025
Signed into law
Signed by Governor Ayotte 07/15/2025; Chapter 180; eff.09/13/2025 HJ 18
lower
Jun 5, 2025
Upper · Passed
Ought to Pass: RC 16Y-7N, MA; OT3rdg; 06/05/2025; SJ 15
upper
May 15, 2025
Upper · Passed
Committee Report: Ought to Pass, 06/05/2025, Vote 3-1; SC 24
upper
May 8, 2025
Upper · Passed
Committee Report: Ought to Pass, 05/15/2025; Vote 3-1; CC; SC 21
upper
Mar 28, 2025
Introduced
Introduced 03/27/2025 and Referred to Education; SJ 10
upper
Mar 27, 2025
House · Passed
House Vote: pass (104-99-18)
house
Mar 27, 2025
Lower · Passed
Ought to Pass: MA RC 203-164 03/27/2025 HJ 11 P. 6
lower
Mar 10, 2025
Lower · Passed
Minority Committee Report: Inexpedient to Legislate
lower
Mar 10, 2025
Lower · Passed
Majority Committee Report: Ought to Pass 03/05/2025 (Vote 9-8; RC) HC 17 P. 50
lower
Jan 8, 2025
Introduced
Introduced 01/08/2025 and referred to Education Policy and Administration HJ 2 P. 16
lower
1 primary · 7 co-sponsors
Sponsors
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