Requires law enforcement officer to reveal facial identity during certain public interactions and to present sufficient identification prior to arresting or detaining person.
What changed between versions
The exemption for undercover assignments was expanded to cover 'other tactical operation, including violent-crime or organized-crime suppression,' significantly broadening when officers can wear masks without violating the law.
The bill now consolidates S3114 with S3216 as a combined Senate Committee Substitute, indicating it was merged with another bill during committee review.
A new exemption was added allowing an officer to wear a mask if they are 'the subject of a threat of retaliation resulting from the performance of the officer's official duties.'
A new exemption was added for officers wearing a mask to protect against cold during a weather emergency.
A new exemption was added for officers wearing a mask to protect against biological or chemical agents during an incident where such agents may be present.
The requirement that an officer obtain a statement from a licensed physician before wearing a medical grade mask or N95 respirator was removed; officers can now wear such masks without any physician documentation.
The entire legislative STATEMENT section, which explained the bill's purpose and cited FBI guidance on officer identification, was removed from the substitute.