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Committee advances bill to restrict law-enforcement facial coverings with exceptions
Summary
Senator Ward-Engelking introduced RS 33020, a proposal to ban facial coverings for law enforcement except for listed exceptions such as SWAT teams and medical reasons; the committee voted to send the draft to print and members noted plans to solicit further agency feedback.
Senator Ward-Engelking presented RS 33020, a draft bill that would prohibit facial coverings worn by law enforcement officers, while listing exceptions for specific circumstances such as Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) teams and medical reasons. Ward-Engelking urged the committee to consider how a masked, armed person might alarm a typical citizen.
Senator Anthon asked whether Ward-Engelking had consulted law enforcement agencies about the draft. Ward-Engelking said she had spoken with several officers who guided her work so far, but that she planned additional outreach to specific agencies after the bill is printed for formal drafting. Chairman Guthrie said feedback from agencies would be factored into any decision on whether to proceed.
Senator Adams moved to send RS 33020 to print; Senator Ruchti seconded the motion, which carried by voice vote. The committee did not adopt the bill; the motion advances the draft to legislative staff for formal drafting and future consideration.
The transcript records exceptions built into the draft (SWAT and medical exceptions) and notes the author intends to seek further law-enforcement feedback after printing, but does not record detailed enforcement language or implementation timelines.
