Bill > HB5479

This bill prohibits law-enforcement officers from intentionally hiding their identity or authority, such as by wearing a mask or face covering, during certain police encounters. Specifically, this applies to investigatory stops where the person is not in custody, the stop is not based on a warrant, and there is no probable cause (a reasonable belief that a crime has been committed). The intent behind this provision is to ensure transparency, prevent intimidation or mistaken identity, and safeguard individual civil liberties during these types of encounters. However, there are exceptions to this rule, including when an officer is acting under a valid arrest or search warrant, engaged in an authorized undercover operation, when concealment is permitted by federal or state law, if revealing their identity would pose an immediate safety risk or jeopardize an ongoing investigation, or in emergency situations where hiding their identity is necessary to address the immediate threat.

Justice

http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=5479&year=2026&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill