unlawful masking; violation
HB 2862 makes it a misdemeanor to wear a mask to conceal one's identity at public assemblies (gatherings of 10+ people in public or permitted spaces). It specifically prohibits this behavior, with exceptions for holiday costumes, religious attire, medical devices, occupational safety gear, athletic equipment, and law enforcement use. The law classifies a first offense as a class 3 misdemeanor and repeat violations as a class 1 misdemeanor. It directly affects individuals attending public gatherings who wear face-covering masks without qualifying for an exemption.
Bill status
passed
3 of 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2026
Committee Review
Mar 2026
House Passage
Mar 2026
Senate Passage
Governor
Introduced Jan 20, 2026
Last action Mar 26, 2026
Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison
What changed between versions
Introduced Version
→
House Engrossed Version (03/02/2026)
·
4 edits
·
Mar 2, 2026
MODERATE
The bill was significantly restructured to shift its focus from creating a standalone crime of unlawful masking to establishing a sentencing enhancement. The original version defined wearing a mask at public assemblies as a misdemeanor with specific defenses, while the new version adds a mandatory sentencing increase for any crime committed while wearing a mask to conceal identity. The scope was narrowed by removing the specific 'public assembly' requirement and adding an exemption for religious coverings.
Scope change
The bill's scope changed from a specific offense targeting public gatherings to a general sentencing enhancement applicable to any offense under Title 13, excluding Class 1 and 2 felonies.
DEFINITION
Removed the standalone crime of 'unlawful masking' and its specific definition regarding public assemblies.
Added a new exemption allowing courts to waive the enhancement if the mask was worn for religious purposes.
ENFORCEMENT
Added a sentencing enhancement requiring the next higher class of offense for crimes committed while wearing a mask to conceal identity.
ELIGIBILITY
Changed the law to exclude Class 1 and Class 2 felonies from the sentencing enhancement.
Floor votes · House Mar 2, 2026
How they voted
31–25
Passed · 4 other
Total votes 60
Mar 2, 2026
D
Democratic27
92% Nay
R
Republican33
93% Yea
Vote distribution
All Yea
All Nay
Mixed
No data
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
10
Key actions
4
Committee
1
Amendments
2
Mar 26, 2026
Upper · Passed
DP
upper
Mar 2, 2026
Lower · Passed
PASSED
lower
Feb 25, 2026
Lower · Passed
DPA
lower
Feb 18, 2026
Lower · Passed
DPA/SE
lower
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors
Sponsors
Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Quang Nguyen
RRepublican
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