Washington Legislature passes police face mask ban aimed at ICE
By Melissa Santos
Published on March 10, 2026.
Washington's Legislature has approved a new law limiting law enforcement officers wearing face coverings, a measure designed to target federal immigration agents. The measure, Senate Bill 5855, bans officers from covering their faces while interacting with the public during their duties. Limited exceptions include if officers are wearing SWAT gear, personal protective equipment, or religious face coverages. The bill passed both chambers along party lines, with Republicans voting no. The state Senate voted 30-19 to approve minor House amendments to the measure, sending it to Gov. Bob Ferguson's desk for his signature. Ferguson has 20 days (not counting Sundays) to take action on the bill, which could include signing it or allowing it to become law without Ferguson's signature.
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