SB 5855 Washington Senate · 2025-2026 Regular Session

Concerning the use of face coverings by law enforcement officers.

This bill requires Washington law enforcement officers to wear visible identification (like a clearly displayed name) and not cover their faces during routine public interactions. It defines "facial covering" to exclude medical masks, helmets for bicycle safety, and clear face shields, but prohibits items like balaclavas or tactical masks. Exceptions allow face coverings during active undercover operations or when tactical teams use protective gear for safety. Officers who violate this during detentions could face civil lawsuits seeking damages or court-ordered remedies. The law applies to all police officers during public duties, not just emergency situations.

Issues: ✓ Criminal Justice

Bill status signed all 5 stages cleared

Introduction

Dec 2025

Committee Review

Mar 2026

Senate Passage

Mar 2026

House Passage

Mar 2026

Signed into Law

Mar 2026

Introduced Dec 8, 2025 Signed Mar 19, 2026

Maddy AI version diff · 2 comparisons

What changed between versions

Substitute Bill → Substitute Passed Legislature · 4 edits

MODERATE

The bill was formally certified as passed by both the Senate and House, moving it to final legislative status. Substantively, the definition of 'facial covering' was expanded to include helmets for specific vehicles like ATVs and snowmobiles, and a new exemption was added for religious head coverings. Additionally, the list of exceptions for when officers can wear coverings was broadened to include personal protective equipment required by federal and state safety laws.

Scope change

The bill's scope regarding prohibited facial coverings was narrowed by adding specific exemptions for religious use and certain safety gear, while the scope of the helmet exemption was expanded to cover more vehicle types.

DEFINITION

Added a new definition excluding head or face coverings worn for religious purposes from the list of prohibited items.

Expanded the definition of the helmet exemption to include helmets used for ATVs, snowmobiles, helicopters, and other vehicles.

ENFORCEMENT

Added an exemption allowing officers to wear personal protective equipment required by federal or state occupational safety and health laws.

TECHNICAL

Added certification text confirming the bill passed both legislative chambers and was filed with the Secretary of State.

Floor votes · Senate Mar 9, 2026 · House Mar 3, 2026

How they voted

32–19

Passed

Total votes 51

Mar 9, 2026

D Democratic31

31 Yea

100% Yea

R Republican20

1 Yea 19 Nay

95% Nay

Vote distribution

All Yea All Nay Mixed No data

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Mar 19, 2026

Signed into law

Governor signed.

executive

Mar 11, 2026

Lower · Passed

Speaker signed.

lower

Mar 10, 2026

Upper · Passed

President signed.

upper

Mar 9, 2026

Upper · Passed

Passed final passage; yeas, 30; nays, 19; absent, 0; excused, 0.

upper

Mar 9, 2026

Upper · Passed

Senate concurred in House amendments.

upper

Mar 3, 2026

Lower · Passed

Committee amendment(s) adopted as amended.

lower

Mar 3, 2026

House · Passed

House Vote: pass (57-38-5)

house

Feb 25, 2026

Committee

Referred to Rules 2 Review.

lower

Feb 23, 2026

Lower · Passed

Minority; do not pass.

lower

Feb 23, 2026

Lower · Passed

CS - Majority; do pass with amendment(s).

lower

Feb 23, 2026

Lower · Passed

Executive action taken in the House Committee on Community Safety at 1:30 PM.

lower

Feb 18, 2026

Lower · Passed

Public hearing in the House Committee on Community Safety at 10:30 AM.

lower

Jan 15, 2026

Upper · Passed

Minority; do not pass.

upper

Jan 15, 2026

Upper · Passed

Executive action taken in the Senate Committee on Law & Justice at 10:30 AM.

upper

Jan 13, 2026

Upper · Passed

Public hearing in the Senate Committee on Law & Justice at 8:00 AM.

upper

1 primary · 26 co-sponsors