Montgomery County committee advances bill to bar masks for on-duty officers, adds reporting and limited enforcement

The Montgomery County Public Safety Committee on Friday advanced Bill 5-26, known as the "Unmask Act," sending the measure to the full council after a 3-0 committee vote. The bill would prohibit federal, state and local law-enforcement officers from wearing masks or facial coverings while on duty, while listing exceptions for medical respirators, fire- and rescue-related masks, exposure to biological or chemical agents, SWAT operations and cold-weather protection tied to county guidance.

McCartney Green, who prepared the staff report, told the committee: "The bill would seek to prohibit federal, state, or local law enforcement agencies from wearing, masks or facial covers while on duty." She said about 20 speakers at a March 3 public hearing had largely supported the measure.

Why it matters: the county measure is intended to preserve public identification of officers and to address community concerns about federal agents operating without visible badges. Committee members and staff repeatedly warned that the county…