Ban on police face coverings in WA nears final passage in Legislature
A prohibition on law enforcement covering their faces, motivated by masked federal immigration agents, is one step closer to becoming Washington law.
The state House passed the legislation along party lines Tuesday with Democrats in support. The Senate approved it in January. It now heads back to the Senate, which will need to concur with minor changes the House made, before the bill can go to Gov. Bob Ferguson. The governor has indicated strong support for the policy.
The Senate will need to pass the final version before the legislative session ends March 12.
Senate Bill 5855 would bar all law enforcement officers in Washington from masking while interacting with the public, with exceptions for undercover operatives, personal protective equipment and bicycle or motorcycle helmets.
https://washingtonstatestandard.com/2026/03/03/ban-on-police-face-coverings-in-wa-nears-final-passage-in-legislature/