Welcome to DU!
The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards.
Join the community:
Create a free account
Support DU (and get rid of ads!):
Become a Star Member
Latest Breaking News
Editorials & Other Articles
General Discussion
The DU Lounge
All Forums
Issue Forums
Culture Forums
Alliance Forums
Region Forums
Support Forums
Help & Search
Arkansas judge dismisses lawsuit challenging coronavirus mandates
An Arkansas judge on Wednesday dismissed a lawsuit by some Republican legislators challenging a mask mandate and other restrictions imposed because of the coronavirus pandemic.LITTLE ROCK — An Arkansas judge on Wednesday dismissed a lawsuit by some Republican legislators challenging a mask mandate and other restrictions imposed because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Pulaski County Circuit Judge Wendell Griffen ruled that Republican Gov. Asa Hutchinson was within his authority under state law and legislative rules when his administration issued the restrictions. The lawsuit filed by 18 GOP lawmakers argued the restrictions required legislative approval.
Arkansas was among a handful of states that didn't issue a stay-at-home order in response to the pandemic, but Hutchinson has mandated wearing a mask in public and other restrictions including capacity limits on bars and restaurants. Hutchinson on Tuesday ruled out rolling back the state's reopening, despite a recent surge in COVID-19 hospitalizations.
Hutchinson said he was pleased with Griffen's decision, which he said would reassure the public about the state's actions aimed at preventing the spread of the virus.
Read more: https://www.texarkanagazette.com/news/arkansas/story/2020/oct/15/arkansas-judge-dismisses-lawsuit-challenging-coronavirus-mandates/845286/