Lt. Gov. Janice McGeachin signs executive order on masks while Little is out of state

BOISE, Idaho (CBS2) — Lieutenant Governor Janice McGeachin tweeted on Thursday a picture of an executive order signed by her as acting governor.

The executive order prohibits mask mandates by the state and its political subdivisions, including public schools, from imposing mask mandates in Idaho.

Lieutenant governors are able to step in as acting governor if the governor is out of state or otherwise unable to serve.

Governor Brad Little's office said he has been out of state this week collaborating with other Republican governors.

"The Lt. Governor did not make Governor Little aware of her executive order ahead of time," Little's office said. "The Governor’s Office is reviewing the Lt. Governor’s executive order. Governor Little has never put in place a statewide mask mandate. Throughout the pandemic, Governor Little has been committed to protecting the health and safety of the people of Idaho and has emphasized the importance of Idahoans choosing to protect our neighbors and loved ones and keeping our economy and schools open."

Little will return to the state Thursday night.

"Idahoans value local control and the local approach to addressing important issues," Little's office said. "An expanded statement from the Governor’s Office on the Lt. Governor’s executive order will be made available after a more thorough review of this executive action."

McGeachin tweeted she had signed the order to "protect the rights and liberties of individuals and businesses."