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Senators cite public‑safety and enforcement questions as face‑covering bill proceeds
Summary
Legislators and witnesses raised law‑enforcement and survivor‑safety concerns at hearings on a proposed face‑covering bill; officials also noted disagreement over whether the measure would apply to federal officers and cited advocacy testimony.
Lawmakers at the press availability discussed testimony taken on a face‑covering bill in the justice committee and highlighted safety concerns raised by witnesses. Tina and other senators said they heard from a range of stakeholders, including "Pete Saronova, acting U.S. attorney," who testified against the bill and raised enforcement and public‑safety questions.
Senators also said survivor‑advocate groups told the committee that people who have experienced sexual assault or domestic violence fear that masks could facilitate abductions or make it harder for law enforcement to identify perpetrators. "This is a huge safety risk for our law enforcement officers and for, people on our streets," one senator said, describing testimony about kidnapping and officers' difficulty reacting when faces are concealed.
Reporters asked whether officials were confident a state measure could apply to federal officers; speakers said they were not sure and that enforcement against federal officials raises legal and practical questions. One speaker noted that local sheriffs had testified in support of the bill in some areas, indicating differing views among law‑enforcement officials.
Lawmakers said more stakeholdering and committee work will follow as the bill is refined; no formal committee vote or final action was announced at the press availability.
