OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — A Nebraska judge could decide as early as Monday afternoon whether to overturn a new Omaha mask mandate that's opposed by state officials.
Judge Shelly Stratman says in a court hearing that she will rule on the matter by the end of the day or noon Tuesday at the latest.
Nebraska state officials filed a lawsuit earlier this month to block the new mandate, arguing that Douglas County Health Director Lindsay Huse doesn’t have the legal authority to issue one unless the state approves it beforehand.
State officials under the administration of Gov. Pete Ricketts had rejected her previous requests, in keeping with the Republican governor’s opposition to mask requirements.