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Panel hears bill to ban opaque face coverings for officers in public interactions
Summary
HB 2173 would prohibit law-enforcement officers from wearing opaque facial coverings while interacting with the public, allow limited operational exemptions and create a civil cause of action for detained persons; supporters said the measure increases transparency, while law-enforcement groups warned of uncapped liability and operational consequences.
The House Community Safety Committee on Jan. 13, 2026, held a lengthy hearing on House Bill 2173, which would prohibit law-enforcement officers from wearing opaque face coverings while interacting with the public and would permit a civil cause of action for detained persons alleging a violation.
Lina Langer, committee counsel, said the bill excludes undercover operations and protective tactical gear and exempts medical and environmental…
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