By Anthony Smith, The Seattle Medium
A bill that would prohibit law enforcement officers from covering their faces while interacting with the public passed the Washington State Senate on Monday and now heads to Gov. Bob Ferguson’s desk for signature.
Senate Bill 5855, sponsored by Sen. Javier Valdez (D-Lake City), would prohibit local, state, or federal law enforcement officers from wearing opaque masks, garments, ski masks, or tactical face coverings while performing duties in public. The bill states that any individual detained by an unlawfully masked law enforcement officer may file a lawsuit against that officer. Exceptions to the restrictions include clear face shields, N95 masks, and protective bicycle or motorcycle helmets. The ban would not apply to officers working as undercover operatives or members of SWAT teams. There would also be an exception for coverings worn for religious practices.
In 2021, Washington state passed a law requiring agencies to adopt procedures ensuring uniformed peace officers are reasonably identifiable while on duty by clearly displaying a name or other identifying information. However, there are currently no federal or Washington state laws that prohibit officers from wearing face coverings.
“This is an issue I started working on this past summer when we started seeing a lot of the reports regarding federal law enforcement officers masking and hiding their identities in their official course of duty,” Valdez said. “We saw California pass a law, so I thought this was the time Washington needs to act as well.”
Supporters of the measure say requiring officers to show their faces would strengthen transparency and accountability.
During a public House hearing in February, Steve Albrecht urged lawmakers to support SB 5855 and argued that public officials should not conceal their identities while serving the public.
“It’s our duty to maintain accountability for police officers. Compromising the effect of this bill would continue to allow law enforcement agents to hide behind masks and create fear, intimidation, and terror. There is no reason for hiding when you are doing public service.” Albrecht said.
Nathan Olson, public safety advisor for Gov. Bob Ferguson, also supported the bill and said it would strengthen existing laws requiring officers to identify themselves.
“Washington State has a history of ensuring that our law enforcement personnel aren’t hidden form the communities that they serve. Knowing who is protecting and serving their community helps people build trust.” Olson said.
Opponents argue that prohibiting face coverings could lead to increased harassment or violence against officers.
Anthony Mixer, a local media member who testified against SB 5855 as a public citizen, criticized the bill, calling it an unnecessary cost for taxpayers and a case of “virtue signaling.”
“These agents who are simply enforcing longtime law of immigration enforcement are being targeted, harassed, and doxed. Covering their faces can lower the risk of being targeted. Think of their families who are dealing with this.” Mixer said.
Last week, Ferguson acknowledged the bill’s passage in the House in a post on X, writing, “I look forward to signing it once it reaches my desk.”
The bill now heads to the governor’s desk for signature.
