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Washington House Holds First Hearing on Bill Banning Police Masks

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Bill Senate 5855 Introduced to Restrict Officer Facial Coverings Lawmakers convened in Olympia on February 19, 2026 for the inaugural public hearing on Senate Bill 5855, which would prohibit local, state, and federal officers from wearing masks during public interactions, except for narrowly defined circumstances. The bill’s sponsor, Democratic Senator Javier Valdez of Seattle, framed the measure as a transparency safeguard. The hearing marks the first step in the bill’s progression through the House committee system[1].

Provisions Include Civil‑Action Right and Emergency Clause The proposal adds a civil‑action provision allowing detainees to sue officers who unlawfully conceal their faces, while also shielding compliant officers from liability. An emergency clause permits temporary suspension of the mask ban under specific conditions. These elements aim to balance accountability with operational flexibility[1].

Supporters Cite ICE Raid Transparency Concerns Valdez argued that “the public needs to know exactly who you are” when law‑enforcement officials perform duties, referencing incidents observed during Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids nationwide. Proponents claim the bill responds to patterns of masked officers that hinder public identification and erode trust. The legislation is presented as a direct response to those ICE‑related observations[1].

Opposition Raises Officer Safety and Undercover Operation Issues Republican Representative Jenny Graham of Spokane questioned how officers would be protected from individuals posting their faces online, warning that non‑compliance could endanger state and federal personnel. Police organizations acknowledged existing rules against facial concealment but cautioned the bill might impede undercover work and called for amendments. Their stance highlights tension between transparency and operational security[1].

Legislative Outlook Remains Uncertain Amid Divergent Views While the bill cleared its first committee hearing, further debate is expected as lawmakers weigh civil‑rights benefits against potential impacts on officer safety and investigative tactics. Amendments may be introduced to address concerns raised by law‑enforcement groups. The outcome will depend on subsequent votes in both the House and Senate[1].

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Timeline

Dec 2, 2025 – Edmonton Police Service launches a pilot with Axon to run body‑cam facial‑recognition against a 7,000‑person high‑risk watch list, limited to daylight hours and later‑analyzed matches, aiming to detect dangerous individuals during calls; former Axon AI ethics board chair and Alberta’s privacy commissioner call for broader debate on bias and privacy risks. [1]

Summer 2025 – Spokane Police Department revises its immigration‑enforcement protocol, allowing officers to respond to related calls and verify credentials while pledging not to interfere with federal operations, reflecting heightened local involvement in immigration matters. [4]

Jan 14, 2026 – A Redmond resident records ICE agents arresting a man while wearing a neck gaiter, sparking public outcry over unidentified federal officers. [5]

Jan 14, 2026 – Councilmember Michelle Evans launches the “No Secret Police Act” petition demanding visible insignia, name or badge, and limits on unmarked vehicles for all law‑enforcement, stating “unmarked vehicles basically kidnapping people off the streets.” [5]

Jan 14, 2026 – During a Senate Law & Justice Committee hearing, U.S. Attorney Pete Serrano asserts that “states lack authority to govern how federal agents operate,” citing a principle dating back to the 1800s. [5]

Jan 16, 2026 – The Senate Law & Justice Committee moves Senate Bill 5855 to the Senate floor, proposing to bar opaque masks except for undercover or SWAT gear, as Governor Bob Ferguson urges rapid passage to his desk for signature. [4]

Jan 29, 2026 – The Washington Senate approves SB 5855 by a 30‑19 vote, prohibiting masks for local, state and federal officers with narrow exemptions and inserting a civil‑action right for detainees; Rep. Laurie Jinkins calls the measure “very important,” while Rep. Chris Corry warns it could endanger federal agents who wear face coverings for safety. [3]

Feb 17, 2026 – The legislative calendar sets a Feb 17 cutoff for the bill to clear the House before it can proceed to the governor, making it unlikely the Senate‑passed mask ban will meet the deadline without special action. [3]

Feb 19, 2026 – The Washington House holds its first public hearing on SB 5855; Sen. Javier Valdez argues “the public needs to know exactly who you are,” and Rep. Jenny Graham raises concerns about officers’ exposure to doxing and social‑media misuse if masks are banned. [2]

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