Idaho Lt. Governor Janice McGeachin, acting as Governor while Brad Little is out of state on business, issued a surprise executive order immediately ending any public entity's mask requirement.
The order took effect at 11 a.m. Thursday, prohibiting all public entities - including schools - from mandating the use of face masks or face shields "for the purpose of preventing or slowing the spread of a contagious or infection disease."
Some schools, including the Boise and West Ada School districts, still have mask mandates in place.
Governor Brad Little's spokeswoman, Marissa Morrison-Hyer released this statement in response to questions about why McGeachin was acting as Governor.
"Governor Little has been out of state this week collaborating with other Republican governors, and the Lt. Governor did not make Governor Little aware of her executive order ahead of time. He is expected to return to Idaho tonight. The Governor’s Office is reviewing the Lt. Governor’s executive order. Governor Little has never put in place a statewide mask mandate. Throughout the pandemic, Governor Little has been committed to protecting the health and safety of the people of Idaho and has emphasized the importance of Idahoans choosing to protect our neighbors and loved ones and keeping our economy and schools open. Idahoans value local control and the local approach to addressing important issues. An expanded statement from the Governor’s Office on the Lt. Governor’s executive order will be made available after a more thorough review of this executive action."
The Lt. Governor typically fills in while the Governor travels out of state or is otherwise unavailable. Mostly, that can be related to medical procedures. In his previous role as Lt. Governor under Butch Otter, Brad Little joked that the perks of being acting Governor included a better parking spot for the day.
