Bill > HB250

This bill establishes the crime of wearing a mask in public while acting as a peace officer, meaning law enforcement officers cannot knowingly conceal their face with a mask or disguise when interacting with the public in their official capacity. However, this prohibition does not apply in several specific situations, including when an officer is on an authorized undercover assignment, wearing protective gear like a face shield, medical mask, respirator, or gear for hazardous conditions, or when facing extreme cold temperatures outdoors. It also exempts officers participating in tactical operations where facial covering is necessary for safety or mission execution, or when assigned to a special weapons and tactics (SWAT) team actively performing their duties. Violating this new law would be considered a class B misdemeanor, and the provisions apply to offenses committed on or after the bill's effective date, which is immediately.