Iowa's Republican Governor Kim Reynolds announced Thursday that she has signed a law prohibiting all K-12 schools, cities and counties from issuing mask mandates, leaving some residents confused and upset.

“The state of Iowa is putting parents back in control of their child’s education and taking greater steps to protect the rights of all Iowans to make their own health care decisions,” Reynolds said.

“I am proud to be a governor of a state that values personal responsibility and individual liberties. I want to thank the Iowa Legislature for their quick work in bringing this bill to my desk so that it can be signed into law.”

Many residents of the state are concerned that Reynolds made this decision behind closed doors in the early morning hours on Thursday. The law came as a surprise and a disappointment for some Iowans on Twitter.

Others, like Rep. Dustin Hite, R-New Sharon, stated that the move comes directly from the people of Iowa and represents their desires to return to normal.

"This amendment comes from the citizens of Iowa," Hite said. "They come from my constituents, from your constituents — I've lost count of the number of emails, the number of messages, all of that that I have received on the topic."

This passing means superintendents of the counties can’t require any employees, students or anyone on the property of a public or private school to wear a face-covering while on the premises. It also means private businesses can’t impose mask requirements.

The new law passed 53-35 in the Iowa House and 29-17 in the Iowa Senate and it goes into effect immediately, an NBC News affiliate reported.

The top US health authority now says fully vaccinated people don't need to wear masks in most indoor settings
The top US health authority now says fully vaccinated people don't need to wear masks in most indoor settings AFP / JOEL SAGET
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