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Bill > S4988
NJ S4988
NJ S4988Prohibits law enforcement officers from wearing mask or disguise while interacting with public.
summary
Introduced
12/15/2025
12/15/2025
In Committee
12/15/2025
12/15/2025
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 important exceptions. The legislation defines a law enforcement officer as any member of federal, state, county, or municipal law enforcement agencies who is authorized to enforce laws. Officers are allowed to wear masks or disguises in specific circumstances, such as during undercover assignments, when wearing a face shield that does not fully conceal their face, when wearing medical masks or N95 respirators with a physician's statement about health necessity, or when wearing masks for protection against smoke during a state of emergency. If an officer violates this provision by wearing a mask or disguise outside these exceptions, 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 is designed to increase transparency and accountability during law enforcement interactions with the public by ensuring officers' faces are visible during official duties.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Law and Public Safety Committee (on 12/15/2025)
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/S4988 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2024/S5000/4988_I1.HTM |
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