Bill > SB5855

This bill establishes new rules regarding when law enforcement officers can wear facial coverings, defining a "facial covering" as anything that conceals a person's identity, with exceptions for translucent masks, medical masks for disease protection, helmets, and head coverings for religious purposes. Generally, law enforcement officers are prohibited from wearing facial coverings when interacting with the public, ensuring they are identifiable by their name or uniform, but this prohibition does not apply to officers engaged in undercover operations, special weapons and tactics (SWAT) team members using protective gear, or officers using personal protective equipment for occupational safety. If a person is detained in violation of these rules, they may file a civil lawsuit for damages, and if successful, can recover compensatory and punitive damages, legal fees, and other relief, provided the officer was not in compliance 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