Bill > SB5855

This bill establishes new rules regarding the use of facial coverings by law enforcement officers in Washington State, defining a "facial covering" as anything that conceals a person's identity, with exceptions for translucent masks, medical masks for health protection, and helmets. It mandates that law enforcement officers must be reasonably identifiable by their uniforms when interacting with the public, meaning their name or other identifying information must be visible. Generally, officers are prohibited from wearing facial coverings while performing their duties in public, with two key exceptions: officers engaged in active undercover operations, where they are using an assumed identity to gather evidence of criminal activity, and special weapons and tactics (SWAT) team officers using protective gear necessary for their safety during tactical operations. The bill also allows individuals detained in violation of these provisions to file a civil lawsuit for damages against the officer in their official capacity, though officers are protected from liability if they were compliant with identification requirements at the time of detention.

Housing and Urban Affairs, Justice

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5855&Year=2025&Initiative=false