The Utah legislature on Wednesday night approved a measure that bans public schools and universities from enforcing mask mandates in the next school year. House Bill 1007, according to its text, “prohibits a face covering requirement to participate in or attend instruction, activities or any other place on the school campus or facilities in the system of public education after the end of the 2020–2021 school year.” In addition, it said that a university “may not require proof of vaccination as a condition for enrollment or attendance,” unless the institution allows for an exemption for students with certain medical conditions or religious beliefs. Sponsored by Republican state Rep. Val Peterson, the legislation passed 50–24 in the House and 23–5 in the Senate, on largely party-line votes, during a special session. It now awaits the signature of Republican Gov. Spencer Cox, who took office in January. “At some point this has …