HB 250 Alaska House · 34th Legislature (2025-2026)

An Act establishing the crime of wearing a mask in public while acting as a peace officer; and providing for an effective date.

HB 250 makes it a class B misdemeanor for peace officers in Alaska to wear masks covering their face during public interactions while performing official duties, unless specific exceptions apply. These exceptions include undercover assignments, wearing face shields designed for protection, medical masks with a physician's certification, or masks for smoke exposure. The law directly affects police officers, sheriffs, and other peace officers who interact with the public in their official roles. It takes effect immediately upon enactment and does not apply to the exceptions listed in the bill text.

Issues: ✓ Criminal Justice

Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared

Introduction

Jan 2026

Committee Review

Floor Vote

Governor

Introduced Jan 20, 2026 Last action Mar 16, 2026

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What changed between versions

HB 250 → CSHB 250(STA) · 5 edits

MODERATE

The bill was amended by the State Affairs Committee to significantly expand the exceptions where peace officers are allowed to wear masks. The changes clarify that undercover work requires supervisor or court approval, add protections for extreme weather and vehicle helmets, and create a new exemption for tactical operations involving high risks of injury or death.

Scope change

The scope of the bill was expanded to include more specific scenarios where wearing a mask is legal for peace officers, moving from a general list of exceptions to a detailed set of conditions including tactical operations and environmental hazards.

ELIGIBILITY

The exception for undercover assignments was modified to explicitly require authorization from a supervisor or a court order.

New exemptions were added for wearing masks during extreme cold (32 degrees Fahrenheit or below) and while operating motorcycles or other vehicles requiring helmets.

A new exemption was created for peace officers participating in tactical operations that involve an elevated risk of death or serious physical injury.

An exemption was added for officers assigned to special weapons and tactics teams who are actively performing their team responsibilities.

REQUIREMENT

The requirement for medical masks was updated to include surgical masks and air-purifying respirators necessary for protection against toxins, gases, smoke, or hazardous environmental conditions.

Floor votes

How they voted

No floor votes recorded yet.

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Mar 9, 2026

Committee

(H) REFERRED TO JUDICIARY

lower

Mar 5, 2026

Lower · Passed

(H) Moved CSHB 250(STA) Out of Committee

lower

1 primary · 2 co-sponsors