Bill > A08944

This bill prohibits law enforcement officers (including local, state, and federal agents) from wearing masks or personal disguises while interacting with the public, with specific exceptions. Officers can wear medical-grade masks like surgical or N95 respirators to prevent disease transmission, and masks to protect against smoke when responding to fires or during wildfire emergencies. SWAT team officers are allowed to wear protective face coverings when necessary to prevent physical harm during their operations. The bill also requires all law enforcement officers to display their name or badge number on their uniforms. The attorney general is granted authority to create and enforce rules related to these provisions. Additionally, the bill includes a severability clause, which means that if any part of the law is found invalid, the rest of the law can still be enforced. The legislation aims to increase transparency and accountability in law enforcement interactions by ensuring officers can be easily identified during public encounters.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A8944