The 2025 legislative session in Texas is home to 3 bills that are intended to curtail first amendment rights by either increasing the penalty for offenses committed while wearing a mask or making it a crime to do certain activities (such as being too noisy while gathering with others in masks). Bills like these will equate masking with criminality and increase the stigma and harassment of Texans who mask, whether for their own health; the health of someone they love; religious purposes; or simply freedom of expression and freedom of speech. 

Beyond the stigmatization, many legislators can be heard on record discussing how these bills (HB 3061, SB 2595, and SB 2876) will be used to curtail first amendment rights. No matter one’s disability status, we should all have the right to freedom of assembly and freedom of expression. And if curtailing first amendment rights was always the intention, then that means these bills are inherently unconstitutional. 

It’s important we show our opposition to these anti-mask bills now as the legislative session progresses. Being able to show just how many Texans (and prospective tourists) are against such bills will be vital in preventing them from becoming law.