Bill > SB627

This bill addresses law enforcement's use of facial coverings by establishing new regulations aimed at promoting transparency and accountability in policing. The legislation requires all law enforcement agencies operating in California to develop and publicly post a written policy by July 1, 2026, that limits the use of facial coverings and establishes clear guidelines for when such coverings may be worn. Generally, law enforcement officers will be prohibited from wearing opaque masks or other items that conceal their facial identity while performing duties, with narrow exceptions for specific circumstances like undercover operations, tactical situations requiring protective gear, occupational safety needs, and certain legal protections. Violations of these provisions can be punished as an infraction or misdemeanor, and the bill includes a civil penalty of at least $10,000 for officers who commit certain tortious acts while improperly wearing facial coverings. The legislation is motivated by concerns that concealed faces can create fear, hinder communication, increase the risk of conflict escalation, and undermine public trust in law enforcement. The bill applies to peace officers from local, state, and federal agencies and provides a mechanism for challenging an agency's facial covering policy, with a 90-day period for addressing any deficiencies before potential legal action.

Budget and Finance, Government Affairs, Housing and Urban Affairs, Justice

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260SB627