State Passes Bill Barring Law Enforcement From Wearing Masks

OLYMPIA, Wash. – The Washington legislature passed SB 5855 on Monday, a bill barring law enforcement from wearing face coverings when they interact with the public.

The bill first passed through the senate on Jan. 28, was amended and passed by the house on March 3, and the amendments were approved by the senate on March 9.

Next, the bill will go to Governor Bob Ferguson’s office for approval.

Ferguson released the following statement about the bill on Facebook after the amended version passed the senate:

“The Senate has agreed to the House's changes on SB 5855, Sen. Valdez's bill to bar law enforcement from wearing face coverings.

That means the next stop is my desk.

What's happening in our country and our state with ICE is horrific, unjust, and it needs to stop — now.”

The bill prohibits law enforcement from wearing facial covering while interacting with the public on duty.

The bill includes exemptions for masks that do not conceal the person’s identity, N95 medical masks, surgical masks, respirators, breathing apparatuses, helmets or coverings worn for religious purposes.

Some situations also qualified for exemption in the bill, including undercover operations and tactical operations requiring protective gear.

It also requires peace officers to be reasonably identifiable by name or other information.

Proponents of the bill argued it boosts accountability and trust within the community, while critics argued it could endanger officers and their families.

The state of California attempted to pass a similar law, but it was blocked by a federal judge in February, months after the Trump administration filed a lawsuit challenging it.

The judge blocked the law’s ability to ban federal immigration agents from covering their faces, but upheld a part of the law requiring them to wear clear identification showing their agency and badge number.