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MarylandSB 00012026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

Public Safety - Law Enforcement Officers - Face Coverings and Identification

Sponsored By: Malcolm Augustine (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

Public SafetyAppeals -see also- Judicial ReviewCitationsCivil Actions -see also- Small ClaimsCivil OffensesCounties -see also- Chartered Counties; Code Counties; etc.County AdministratorsCourt CostsCrimes and Punishments -see also- Penalties and Sentnc; etc.Criminal Injuries CompensationDefendantsDistrict CourtsEvidenceFines -see also- Penalties and SentencesIdentification -see also- Biometrics; Fingerprinting; DrLicsInterstate AffairsJob Training -see also- Continuing Ed; Vocational RehabLaw Enforcement -see also- SRO; Sheriffs; State PoliceMunicipal Corporations -see also- Annap; BaltNoticesPenalties and Sentences -see also- Death PenaltyPersonal Protective EquipmentPleasPolice Conduct -see also- Ethics; Law EnforcementPolice Training and Standards CommissionSafety -see also- Occupational SafetyState's AttorneysTrialsWaiversWeatherWitnesses

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.

Police must display and share ID

Beginning October 1, 2026, uniformed officers must wear visible ID on their outer layer and say their name and badge or ID number when asked. The ID must meet state standards for size, placement, contrast, and legibility across uniforms and outerwear. Temporary covering is allowed only for immediate safety and must be documented. Plainclothes and undercover officers are exempt while in those roles. The state sets one rule for all agencies, and locals cannot set different rules. Civil violations can lead to fines up to $1,500, handled in District Court as civil cases, not crimes.

Statewide limits on police face masks

Beginning October 1, 2026, officers may not wear face coverings while on duty. Limited exceptions apply for health or safety needs and severe weather; general fear for safety is not enough. Undercover work is exempt. The state commission sets one rule for all agencies, and local governments cannot set different rules. Civil violations can lead to fines up to $1,500, handled in District Court as civil cases, not crimes.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Malcolm Augustine

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Pamela Beidle

    Democratic • Senate

  • Benjamin Brooks

    Democratic • Senate

  • Brian J. Feldman

    Democratic • Senate

  • Bill Ferguson

    Democratic • Senate

  • Guy Guzzone

    Democratic • Senate

  • Shelly Hettleman

    Democratic • Senate

  • Cheryl C. Kagan

    Democratic • Senate

  • Nancy J. King

    Democratic • Senate

  • Benjamin F. Kramer

    Democratic • Senate

  • Clarence K. Lam

    Democratic • Senate

  • Karen Lewis Young

    Democratic • Senate

  • Sara Love

    Democratic • Senate

  • C. Anthony Muse

    Democratic • Senate

  • Jim Rosapepe

    Democratic • Senate

  • William C. Smith

    Democratic • Senate

  • Charles E. Sydnor

    Democratic • Senate

  • Craig J. Zucker

    Democratic • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 266 • No: 229

Senate vote • 4/13/2026

Motion Limit Debate (Senator King) Adopted

Yes: 31 • No: 13 • Other: 3

Senate vote • 4/13/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 32 • No: 13 • Other: 2

House vote • 4/13/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 100 • No: 37 • Other: 3

Senate vote • 2/3/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 31 • No: 13

Senate vote • 1/29/2026

Floor Amendment {633420/1 (Senator Ready) Rejected

Yes: 14 • No: 32

Senate vote • 1/29/2026

Floor Amendment {773627/1 (Senator McKay) Rejected

Yes: 12 • No: 32 • Other: 2

Senate vote • 1/29/2026

Floor Amendment {703926/1 (Senator McKay) Rejected

Yes: 14 • No: 31 • Other: 1

Senate vote • 1/29/2026

Floor Amendment {873724/1 (Senator West) Rejected

Yes: 14 • No: 30 • Other: 2

Senate vote • 1/29/2026

Floor Amendment {723726/1 (Senator McKay) Rejected

Yes: 18 • No: 28

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by the Governor - Chapter 612

    5/26/2026

  2. Passed Enrolled

    4/13/2026Senate

  3. Third Reading Passed (32-13)

    4/13/2026Senate

  4. Senate Concurs House Amendments

    4/13/2026Senate

  5. Motion Limit Debate (Senator King) Adopted (31-13)

    4/13/2026Senate

  6. Third Reading Passed (100-37)

    4/13/2026House

  7. Second Reading Passed with Amendments

    4/13/2026House

  8. Favorable with Amendments {443923/1 Adopted

    4/13/2026House

  9. Favorable with Amendments Report by Judiciary

    4/11/2026House

  10. Hearing 3/31 at 1:00 p.m.

    3/26/2026House

  11. Referred Judiciary

    2/4/2026House

  12. Third Reading Passed (31-13)

    2/3/2026Senate

  13. Second Reading Passed with Amendments

    1/29/2026Senate

  14. Floor Amendment {723726/1 (Senator McKay) Rejected (18-28)

    1/29/2026Senate

  15. Floor Amendment {703926/1 (Senator McKay) Rejected (14-31)

    1/29/2026Senate

  16. Floor Amendment {773627/1 (Senator McKay) Rejected (12-32)

    1/29/2026Senate

  17. Floor Amendment {633420/1 (Senator Ready) Rejected (14-32)

    1/29/2026Senate

  18. Floor Amendment {273521/1 (Senator West) Rejected

    1/29/2026Senate

  19. Floor Amendment {873724/1 (Senator West) Rejected (14-30)

    1/29/2026Senate

  20. Favorable with Amendments {123226/1 Adopted

    1/29/2026Senate

  21. Favorable with Amendments Report by Judicial Proceedings

    1/28/2026Senate

  22. First Reading Judicial Proceedings

    1/14/2026Senate

  23. Hearing 1/22 at 1:00 p.m.

    1/13/2026Senate

  24. Pre-filed

    9/15/2025Senate

Bill Text

  • Enacted

    5/26/2026

    PDF

  • Enrolled

    4/13/2026

    PDF

  • Third Reading

    1/29/2026

    PDF

  • First Reading

    1/14/2026

    PDF

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