Bill > A08943

This bill introduces new regulations for law enforcement officers operating within New York, prohibiting them from concealing their identity while interacting with the public, with a few specific exceptions. Officers are generally barred from wearing masks or personal disguises, though medical-grade surgical or N95 masks for preventing disease transmission and masks for protection from smoke during firefighting or wildfire emergencies are permitted. Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team officers are allowed to wear face protection when necessary to prevent physical harm during their operations. The bill requires all law enforcement officers to display their name and badge number on their uniforms, and defines law enforcement officers as personnel from local, state, or federal agencies. Violations of this law would be classified as a class A misdemeanor. The bill applies to all law enforcement officers, including peace officers as defined in the criminal procedure law, and covers any person acting on behalf of a law enforcement agency. If any part of the law is found to be invalid, the remaining provisions would still remain in effect.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A8943