On Wednesday, the Wisconsin Supreme Court voted 4-3 in favor of striking down a mask-mandate issued by Governor Tony Evers. The court ruled that Evers exceeded his authority when issuing the mandate. The Supreme Court opinion proclaimed that a state of emergency shall not exceed 60 days, unless the emergency is extended by joint resolution of the legislature. 

The order was extended on February 4th, and was set to expire on Monday. The court’s decision will not affect local mandates. Shortly after the ruling was passed, Governor Evers tweeted, "Wear a mask. Help save lives."  Justice Brian Hagedorn, Chief Justice Pat Roggensack, Justice Annette Ziegler and Justice Rebecca Bradley were in favor of overturning the mandate. Justice Ann Walsh Bradley, Justice Rebecca Dallet, and Justice Jill Karofsky opposed striking down the mandate.