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Bill > A1736


NJ A1736

NJ A1736
Prohibits law enforcement officers from wearing mask or disguise while interacting with public.


summary

Introduced
01/13/2026
In Committee
01/13/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

2026-2027 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, defined as individuals empowered to enforce laws at the federal, state, county, or municipal level, from wearing masks or disguises when interacting with the public during their official duties, with specific exceptions for undercover assignments, wearing protective shields that don't obscure the face, using medical-grade masks or N95 respirators with a physician's statement of necessity for disease prevention, or wearing masks for smoke protection during a declared State of Emergency. Violating this prohibition is considered a disorderly persons offense, punishable by a fine of $500 to $1,000, up to six months in jail, or both.

Committee Categories

Military Affairs and Security

Sponsors (5)

Last Action

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Public Safety and Preparedness Committee (on 01/13/2026)

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