Bill
Bill > HB2173
summary
Introduced
01/12/2026
01/12/2026
In Committee
01/12/2026
01/12/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2025-2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
AN ACT Relating to the use of face coverings by law enforcement 2 officers; and adding a new section to chapter 10.116 RCW. 3
AI Summary
This bill establishes new rules regarding face coverings for law enforcement officers, defining a "facial covering" as any opaque mask or garment that conceals an officer's facial identity, with specific exceptions for medical masks, protective gear, and clear face shields. The bill requires law enforcement officers to be reasonably identifiable by displaying their name or identifying information while on duty and prohibits them from wearing facial coverings when interacting with the public, with two key exceptions: during undercover operations and when special weapons and tactics (SWAT) team officers need protective gear to prevent bodily harm. If an officer violates these provisions and detains a person, that individual may bring a civil action and potentially recover compensatory and punitive damages, attorneys' fees, and other court-determined relief. The bill also includes a severability clause, meaning that if any part of the law is found invalid, the remaining provisions can still be enforced.
Committee Categories
Housing and Urban Affairs
Sponsors (38)
Julio Cortes (D)*,
April Berg (D),
Steve Bergquist (D),
Liz Berry (D),
Lisa Callan (D),
Brandy Donaghy (D),
Davina Duerr (D),
Darya Farivar (D),
Joe Fitzgibbon (D),
Mary Fosse (D),
Mia Gregerson (D),
Zach Hall (D),
Natasha Hill (D),
Shelley Kloba (D),
Nicole Macri (D),
Sharlett Mena (D),
Greg Nance (D),
Edwin Obras (D),
Timm Ormsby (D),
Lisa Parshley (D),
Strom Peterson (D),
Gerry Pollet (D),
Alex Ramel (D),
Julia Reed (D),
Kristine Reeves (D),
Cindy Ryu (D),
Osman Salahuddin (D),
Shaun Scott (D),
Tarra Simmons (D),
Chris Stearns (D),
Monica Stonier (D),
Chipalo Street (D),
My-Linh Thai (D),
Steve Tharinger (D),
Brianna Thomas (D),
Sharon Tomiko Tomiko Santos (D),
Sharon Wylie (D),
Janice Zahn (D),
Last Action
Executive session scheduled, but no action was taken in the House Committee on Community Safety at 8:00 AM. (on 01/22/2026)
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=2173&Year=2025&Initiative=false |
| Fiscal Note - 2173 HB (Final) | https://fnspublic.ofm.wa.gov/FNSPublicSearch/GetPDF?packageID=75189 |
| House bill analysis 2026 | https://lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov/biennium/2025-26/Pdf/Bill%20Reports/House/2173%20HBA%20CS%2026.pdf |
| BillText | https://lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov/biennium/2025-26/Pdf/Bills/House%20Bills/2173.pdf |
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