Valdez bill banning face-concealing masks for law enforcement heads to governor’s desk
Saturday, March 14, 2026
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| Sen. Javier Valdez |
“Our communities deserve to know who is exercising government authority in their neighborhoods,” Valdez said. “Today’s vote brings us one step closer to greater transparency and accountability, and I’m proud to send this bill to the governor’s desk.”
After passing the Senate earlier this session, the bill moved to the House, where it passed with amendments. House amendments to the bill include:
- Allowing officers to use personal protective equipment required under federal or state safety laws, including the Occupational Safety and Health Act and the Washington Industrial Safety and Health Act.
- Expanding the helmet exemption to include officers riding wheeled all-terrain vehicles, snowmobiles, helicopters or any vehicle requiring a helmet.
- Exempting head and facial coverings worn for religious purposes.
With the Senate’s concurrence on the House amendments, the bill now heads to Gov. Bob Ferguson for signature, bringing Washington closer to establishing a statewide standard for identifiable and accountable law enforcement.
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6 comments:
Good thing ICE and every other federal agency are exempt by law.
Many police departments said they’re not gonna enforce this cheesy law
The Supremacy Clause of the US Constitution prohibits states from making laws like this that regulate federal conduct. It's completely unenforceable.
The mask law was struck down in California because it didn't apply to all law enforcment officers. Washington learned from this and the law applies to all law enforcement officers so it will likely stand. If local police fail to follow the new law, they could be subject to lawsuits so this will bringi an end to untrained masked gestapo hoards roaming our streets violating our Constitution.
Mask bill will prove to be next to useless waste of time – all for political show.
There are enough ‘exemptions’ as they say you could drive a Mac truck thru it.
Tactical operations, for instance, EVERY ICE operation could be declared a ‘tactical’ operation.
This is a loser in court and a loser before the final judgement. Show me the local jurisdiction that are going to start arresting federal agents. Not even Seattle will go there. This is just a "feeding your constituency" move.
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