Bill > SB2290

This bill requires all law enforcement agencies in the State to establish and make public a policy by January 1, 2027, concerning how their officers are visibly identified and when they can use facial coverings. The policy must include a commitment to transparency and accountability, a rule that officers must display identification with their department and name or badge number during enforcement duties, and a prohibition on facial coverings unless absolutely necessary and documented. There are specific, limited exceptions for situations like undercover operations, plainclothes duties, wearing personal protective equipment, exigent circumstances, or when identification would pose a danger to the officer. "Enforcement duties" are defined as planned arrests or detentions, or crowd control. "Facial covering" is broadly defined to include items that conceal identity, but excludes items like clear face shields, medical masks for health reasons, underwater gear, motorcycle helmets, and eyewear for protection against lasers. The bill also clarifies that "law enforcement agency" and "law enforcement officer" can include those from other states.

Government Affairs

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=2290&year=2026