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WashingtonSB 58552025-2026 Regular SessionSenate

Concerning the use of face coverings by law enforcement officers.

Sponsored By: Javier Valdez (Democratic)

Became Law

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

Officers can't hide faces in public

The law bans officers from wearing facial coverings that hide who they are while interacting with the public. The ban covers opaque masks like balaclavas, ski masks, and gators. It does not cover clear face shields, medical respirators, transport helmets, or religious coverings. Exceptions apply for active undercover work, necessary SWAT gear, and required safety equipment. This rule takes effect March 19, 2026.

You can sue masked officers

If an officer detains you while breaking the facial covering ban, you can sue the officer in their official capacity. You can seek compensatory and punitive damages, court costs, and reasonable attorneys’ fees, plus a court order to stop the practice. Officers must display a visible name or other ID on their uniform. If the officer had the required visible ID at the time, they are not liable. These rules take effect March 19, 2026.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Javier Valdez

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Adrian Cortes

    Democratic • Senate

  • Annette Cleveland

    Democratic • Senate

  • Bob Hasegawa

    Democratic • Senate

  • Claire Wilson

    Democratic • Senate

  • Claudia Kauffman

    Democratic • Senate

  • Derek Stanford

    Democratic • Senate

  • Emily Alvarado

    Democratic • House

  • Jamie Pedersen

    Democratic • Senate

  • Jesse Salomon

    Democratic • Senate

  • Jessica Bateman

    Democratic • Senate

  • John Lovick

    Democratic • Senate

  • June Robinson

    Democratic • Senate

  • Lisa Wellman

    Democratic • Senate

  • Liz Lovelett

    Democratic • Senate

  • Manka Dhingra

    Democratic • Senate

  • Marcus Riccelli

    Democratic • Senate

  • Mike Chapman

    Democratic • Senate

  • Noel Frame

    Democratic • Senate

  • Rebecca Saldaña

    Democratic • Senate

  • Sharon Shewmake

    Democratic • Senate

  • Steve Conway

    Democratic • Senate

  • T'wina Nobles

    Democratic • Senate

  • Member 14205

    House

  • Member 27504

    House

  • Victoria Hunt

    Democratic • House

  • Yasmin Trudeau

    Democratic • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 116 • No: 75

Senate vote • 3/9/2026

Final Passage as Amended by the House

Yes: 30 • No: 19

House vote • 3/3/2026

Final Passage as Amended by the House

Yes: 56 • No: 37 • Other: 5

Senate vote • 1/28/2026

3rd Reading & Final Passage

Yes: 30 • No: 19

Actions Timeline

  1. Effective date 3/19/2026.

    3/19/2026Senate

  2. Chapter 115, 2026 Laws.

    3/19/2026Senate

  3. Governor signed.

    3/19/2026legislature

  4. Delivered to Governor.

    3/12/2026legislature

  5. Speaker signed.

    3/11/2026legislature

  6. President signed.

    3/10/2026legislature

  7. Passed final passage; yeas, 30; nays, 19; absent, 0; excused, 0.

    3/9/2026Senate

  8. Senate concurred in House amendments.

    3/9/2026House

  9. Third reading, passed; yeas, 56; nays, 37; absent, 0; excused, 5.

    3/3/2026Senate

  10. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.

    3/3/2026Senate

  11. Committee amendment(s) adopted as amended.

    3/3/2026Senate

  12. Rules Committee relieved of further consideration. Placed on second reading.

    2/27/2026Senate

  13. Referred to Rules 2 Review.

    2/25/2026Senate

  14. CS - Executive action taken by committee.

    2/23/2026Senate

  15. Minority; do not pass.

    2/23/2026Senate

  16. CS - Majority; do pass with amendment(s).

    2/23/2026Senate

  17. First reading, referred to Community Safety.

    1/30/2026Senate

  18. Third reading, passed; yeas, 30; nays, 19; absent, 0; excused, 0.

    1/28/2026Senate

  19. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.

    1/28/2026Senate

  20. 1st substitute bill substituted.

    1/28/2026Senate

  21. Placed on second reading by Rules Committee.

    1/21/2026Senate

  22. Passed to Rules Committee for second reading.

    1/16/2026Senate

  23. Minority; do not pass.

    1/15/2026Senate

  24. LAW - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass.

    1/15/2026Senate

  25. First reading, referred to Law & Justice.

    1/12/2026Senate

Bill Text

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