Bill > SB469

This bill, known as the Safe and Transparent Arrest Act, mandates that all law enforcement agencies in Kansas must establish and publicly display a written policy by July 1, 2026, detailing the use of "facial coverings," which are defined as any item that hides a person's face, such as a balaclava or ski mask, but excluding items like clear face shields, medical masks, or protective gear for hazardous conditions. The policy must emphasize transparency and accountability, and restrict officers from wearing facial coverings while on duty except in specific, limited situations like authorized undercover or tactical operations, for occupational health and safety, during prosecution to protect identity, or for reasonable accommodations, and only when no other reasonable alternative exists and the necessity is documented, explicitly stating that general fear for officer safety is not sufficient justification. Furthermore, supervisors must ensure officers under their command do not violate these policies, and the public or oversight bodies can challenge non-compliant policies, with the possibility of legal action if issues aren't resolved within 90 days. Crucially, any law enforcement officer found liable for certain civil offenses like assault or false arrest while violating these facial covering rules will lose any privilege or immunity and face significant damages, including a minimum of $10,000. The bill also makes it a misdemeanor for an officer to knowingly wear a prohibited facial covering, with exceptions only if acting in accordance with the agency's approved policy.

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https://kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/sb469/