S 1246 Idaho Senate · 68th Legislature, 2nd Regular Session (2026)

LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS – Adds to existing law to establish provisions regarding law enforcement officers and facial coverings.

Idaho's S 1246 prohibits law enforcement officers from wearing face-concealing items like balaclavas or ski masks during routine duties, except for specific exceptions (e.g., medical masks, tactical gear, SWAT operations, or undercover assignments). It defines "facial covering" to exclude transparent shields, medical masks, helmets for safety, and gear needed for hazardous conditions. Violating this rule would be an infraction or misdemeanor, and officers who commit civil wrongs while violating the law could face $10,000+ in damages without legal immunity. The bill applies to all Idaho law enforcement officers (city, county, federal, or state agency personnel) during standard operations. It is scheduled to take effect July 1, 2026.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2026
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Jan 30, 2026 Last action Feb 2, 2026
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Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
2
Key actions
0
Committee
1
Feb 2, 2026
Committee
Reported Printed; referred to State Affairs
upper
Jan 30, 2026
Introduced
Introduced; read first time; referred to JR for Printing
upper
0 primary · 0 co-sponsors

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