Amarillo City Council members voted on Monday morning to finalize an ordinance to enforce COVID-19 protocols.

During a special meeting held over video conference on Monday, the Amarillo City Council voted 4-1 to approve an ordinance requiring enforcement of COVID-19 protocols by local businesses. Under the ordinance, businesses where COVID-19 protocols are not being enforced could be subjected to fines upon two or more violations. These protocols include rules over face coverings, masks, and social distancing.

Councilwoman Elaine Hays, who was the sole against vote on the measure, said during the meeting that for the first time during her City Council tenure, if the measure passed, she would not be able to unify with her fellow Council members in support of the ordinance.

“If it passes, I cannot move in unity with that,” Hays said. “I have to state clearly: I feel it is unconstitutional, potentially illegal, and an unfair transfer of burden to our small businesses.”

Today’s vote finalized the ordinance after the Amarillo City Council voted on Friday to give the ordinance its first favorable vote. In that vote, Hays was also the only against vote on the item.