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Bill > S4868
NJ S4868
NJ S4868Prohibits law enforcement officers from wearing mask or disguise while interacting with public.
summary
Introduced
11/13/2025
11/13/2025
In Committee
11/13/2025
11/13/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
01/12/2026
01/12/2026
Introduced Session
2024-2025 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill prohibits the wearing of any mask or disguise by a law enforcement officer while interacting with the public in the performance of the officer's official duties. The bill's provisions are not applicable to a law enforcement officer who is: engaged in an undercover assignment; wearing a shield that does not conceal the officer's face to protect the officer's face from harm; wearing a medical grade mask or N95 respirator to prevent disease if the officer has obtained a statement from a licensed physician; or wearing a mask for protection against exposure to smoke during a State of Emergency. A law enforcement officer who violates the provisions of the bill is guilty of a disorderly persons offense, which is punishable by a fine of $500 to $1,000, up to six months imprisonment, or both. The bill defines a "law enforcement officer" as a member of any federal, State, county or municipal law enforcement agency, department, or division of those governments who is statutorily empowered to act for the detection, investigation, arrest, conviction, or detention of persons violating the laws of this State or of the United States.
AI Summary
This bill prohibits law enforcement officers from wearing masks or disguises while interacting with the public during official duties, with several specific exceptions. The bill defines a law enforcement officer as any federal, state, county, or municipal law enforcement personnel legally authorized to enforce laws. The exceptions to the mask prohibition include: undercover assignments, wearing face shields that do not fully conceal the face, wearing medical grade masks or N95 respirators with a physician's statement certifying health protection necessity, and wearing masks for smoke protection during a State of Emergency. If a law enforcement officer violates these provisions, they will be charged with a disorderly persons offense, which can result in a fine between $500 and $1,000, up to six months in imprisonment, or both. The bill aims to promote transparency and accountability in law enforcement interactions by ensuring officers' faces are visible during public engagements, while still allowing for reasonable protective and operational exceptions.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (3)
Last Action
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Law and Public Safety Committee (on 11/13/2025)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/S4868 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2024/S5000/4868_I1.HTM |
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