| May 19, 2021, 6:11 p.m. A bill to bar public schools and universities from forcing students to wear masks sailed through the Utah House on Wednesday, over objections from Democrats and Republicans who said the measure infringes on local control over public health decisions. “This bill is about returning our schools to normalcy,” said Rep. Val Peterson, who sponsored HB1007. “About giving some assurances to parents and to students alike that when they come back this fall, that they’ll return back to a normal situation.” Peterson, R-Orem, noted that nothing in the bill would prevent people from wearing a face coverings if they wish and that the measure applies specifically to COVID-19 and not to other diseases. The proposal also leaves open the possibility for mask mandates in schools with coronavirus outbreaks — it’s just that the decision would be up to county leaders in consultation with local health officers, he said.