OLYMPIA, Wash. – Sen. Javier Valdez (D-Seattle) is pushing a bill to prevent law enforcement officers in Washington from wearing face-concealing masks during public interactions.
Senate Bill 5855 addresses the use of masks by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents in immigration raids. The bill prohibits items such as balaclavas, tactical masks and ski masks while allowing clear face shields and medical masks.
“If a law officer is stopping or questioning you, you have the right to know who they are,” Valdez said in a release. “Anonymous policing erodes trust, invites abuse and threatens the safety of everyone involved.”
The legislation builds on existing requirements that officers must be identifiable by name or other information. Exceptions are made for undercover operations and SWAT officers needing protective gear.
The bill allows people to take legal action if detained by officers violating the law, enabling them to seek compensation and attorney fees.
“This bill protects responsible officers and the public,” Valdez said. “Our communities deserve to know who is exercising government power in their neighborhoods.”
A hearing for the bill is expected early in the 2026 legislative session in the Senate Law & Justice Committee.
