Prohibits local, state and federal law enforcement officers from wearing any mask or personal disguise while interacting with the public in the performance of their duties; excludes certain protective masks.
Summary
This bill would add a new section to the New York Executive Law prohibiting law enforcement officers from wearing masks or personal disguises while interacting with the public in the performance of their duties. The prohibition applies broadly to local, state, and federal law enforcement officers, as well as anyone acting on behalf of those agencies, and requires officers to be clearly identified by name or badge number on their uniforms.
The bill includes several exceptions for masks that serve a protective or operational purpose. These exceptions cover medical-grade surgical masks and N95 respirators, masks used to protect against smoke in fire-related incidents, masks needed during water rescues, masks used to guard against biological or chemical exposure, and masks for cold-weather protection during a declared weather emergency. SWAT officers are also expressly allowed to use face-protective gear necessary for their duties. A violation would be treated as a misdemeanor, and the bill would take effect immediately if enacted.
Impact
If enacted, the bill would create a new statewide criminal offense and operational restriction governing law enforcement appearance during public interactions. It would affect police departments and other law enforcement agencies by requiring visible identification and limiting the use of face coverings except in specified safety or emergency situations. The measure would amend the Executive Law and apply to a wide range of officers, including local, state, and federal law enforcement personnel operating in New York.
Sentiment
The bill’s framing suggests support for transparency and accountability in policing, with an emphasis on making officers identifiable to the public. Because there are no committee transcripts or recorded votes provided, there is no direct evidence of formal debate or opposition in the supplied materials. Based on the bill text alone, the proposal appears aimed at public trust and visibility rather than expanding enforcement powers.
Contention
The main point of contention is likely the balance between public accountability and officer safety or operational needs. Supporters would likely favor the identification requirement and limits on anonymous policing, while opponents may argue that a blanket ban on masks could endanger officers in certain situations or interfere with tactical operations. The bill addresses some of these concerns through exceptions for medical, environmental, rescue, hazardous-material, weather, and SWAT-related protective gear, but the breadth of the prohibition and the misdemeanor penalty could still be disputed.
Same As
Prohibits local, state and federal law enforcement officers from wearing any mask or personal disguise while interacting with the public in the performance of their duties; excludes certain protective masks.
Prohibits local, state and federal law enforcement officers from wearing any mask or personal disguise while interacting with the public in the performance of their duties; excludes certain protective masks.
Bars police from wearing masks or disguises when interacting with the public, require visible ID, allow limited safety and undercover exceptions, and impose criminal penalties and civil liability for violations.
Prohibiting certain federal law enforcement officers from entering hospitals, schools and places of worship under certain circumstances and prohibiting law enforcement officers from wearing a facial covering that conceals or obscures their facial identity in the performance of their duties with certain exceptions.
Prohibits law enforcement officers, including federal agents, from concealing their identity or wearing masks that conceal their identity when performing operations in the state of Missouri
Law enforcement: other; use of certain masks or disguises by law enforcement; prohibit in certain circumstances and require certain uniforms. Amends 1931 PA 328 (MCL 750.1 - 750.568) by adding sec. 396a.
Prohibits state and federal law enforcement operating within New York from covering their faces or otherwise concealing their identity, except in limited circumstances.