DALLAS (WBAP/KLIF) – A Dallas County order requiring face coverings won’t be punishable by law if violated following a heated emergency meeting of the Commissioners Court on Friday.
Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins is requiring that face coverings be worn in all Dallas County stores and businesses. The order initially allowed for fines and possible jail time if violated, but Jenkins said that wouldn’t be enforced. The mixed messages caused some confusion among county leaders and residents.
“We made it explicitly clear that the order wouldn’t be enforced by arrests or tickets,” Jenkins told Commissioners.
Judge Jenkins said during a Thursday press conference that it wasn’t likely people would be fined for violating the order, but Commissioner J.J. Koch argued that words weren’t enough.
“It’s not in the order so it’s not lawful,” said Koch. “It’s not in the lawful order.”
Commissioners complained that they did not have time to give feedback on the order but Judge Jenkins insisted they were sent an email about it 24 hours before it was announced. The court voted earlier this month require Jenkins to give notice before a change was made. A vote is also required by the court to extend the “Safer at Home” order beyond April 30. A vote is not required for revisions.
However, a motion was made Friday to amend the “face covering” order. Following a 3-2 vote, the order now clarifies that there will be no legal punishment if the order is violated. Commissioners also voted to reopen craft stores to allow people to buy materials to make face coverings.
The order takes effect Saturday morning.
Listen to Clayton Neville’s story below:
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