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    © 2025 Veeto.
    SB-627
    Justice & Public Safety

    Law enforcement: masks.

    Engrossed
    CA
    ∙
    2025-2026 Regular Session
    0
    0
    Track
    Track

    Key Takeaways

    • Prohibits law enforcement officers from wearing masks or facial coverings while on duty, with limited exceptions.
    • Requires agencies to notify local law enforcement 12 hours before operations involving facial coverings.
    • Mandates all law enforcement agencies to adopt facial covering policies by July 1, 2026.
    • Establishes penalties starting with an infraction for first offense and possible misdemeanor for repeat violations.

    Summary

    Senators Wiener, Arreguín, and Pérez have introduced legislation prohibiting law enforcement officers from wearing facial coverings while performing their duties, with specific exceptions for undercover operations and SWAT team activities. The measure defines facial coverings as opaque masks, helmets, or other items that conceal an officer's facial identity, while explicitly permitting translucent face shields, medical masks, and protective equipment necessary for hazardous conditions.

    The bill requires law enforcement agencies to adopt facial covering policies by July 1, 2026, and mandates that agencies provide at least 12 hours advance notice to local law enforcement before conducting operations involving facial coverings. These notice requirements detail the operation's timing, location, planned actions, and duration, though exceptions exist for undercover work and emergencies involving immediate danger or suspect flight.

    Enforcement provisions establish a tiered penalty structure, with first violations classified as infractions and subsequent violations potentially charged as misdemeanors. The legislation applies to all peace officers under California law and federal law enforcement personnel operating within the state. Local agencies must implement these requirements without state reimbursement for costs related to the new enforcement provisions, though other mandated expenses may qualify for compensation if determined by the Commission on State Mandates.

    Key Dates

    Next Step
    Referred to the Assembly Standing Committee on Appropriations
    Next Step
    Assembly Committee
    Referred to the Assembly Standing Committee on Appropriations
    Hearing scheduled for , 1021 O Street, Room 1100
    Assembly Public Safety Hearing
    Assembly Committee
    Assembly Public Safety Hearing
    Do pass as amended and be re-referred to the Committee on [Appropriations]
    Vote on Senate Floor
    Senate Floor
    Vote on Senate Floor
    Consent Calendar 2nd SB627 McGuire
    Senate Housing Hearing
    Senate Committee
    Senate Housing Hearing
    Do pass and be ordered to the Consent Calendar
    Senate Local Government Hearing
    Senate Committee
    Senate Local Government Hearing
    Do pass, but first be re-referred to the Committee on [Housing] with the recommendation: To Consent Calendar
    Introduced
    Senate Floor
    Introduced
    Introduced. Read first time. To Com. on RLS. for assignment. To print.

    Contacts

    Profile
    Anna CaballeroD
    Senator
    Bill Author
    Not Contacted
    Not Contacted
    Profile
    Ash KalraD
    Assemblymember
    Bill Author
    Not Contacted
    Not Contacted
    Profile
    Scott WienerD
    Senator
    Bill Author
    Not Contacted
    Not Contacted
    Profile
    Joaquin ArambulaD
    Assemblymember
    Committee Member
    Not Contacted
    Not Contacted
    Profile
    Buffy WicksD
    Assemblymember
    Committee Member
    Not Contacted
    Not Contacted
    0 of 32 row(s) selected.
    Page 1 of 7
    Select All Legislators
    Profile
    Anna CaballeroD
    Senator
    Bill Author
    Profile
    Ash KalraD
    Assemblymember
    Bill Author
    Profile
    Scott WienerD
    Senator
    Bill Author
    Profile
    Joaquin ArambulaD
    Assemblymember
    Committee Member
    Profile
    Buffy WicksD
    Assemblymember
    Committee Member
    Profile
    Lena GonzalezD
    Senator
    Bill Author
    Profile
    Alex LeeD
    Assemblymember
    Bill Author
    Profile
    Josh BeckerD
    Senator
    Bill Author
    Profile
    Lisa CalderonD
    Assemblymember
    Committee Member
    Profile
    Mia BontaD
    Assemblymember
    Bill Author
    Profile
    Mike FongD
    Assemblymember
    Committee Member
    Profile
    Matt HaneyD
    Assemblymember
    Bill Author
    Profile
    Diane DixonR
    Assemblymember
    Committee Member
    Profile
    Gregg HartD
    Assemblymember
    Committee Member
    Profile
    Juan CarrilloD
    Assemblymember
    Bill Author
    Profile
    Liz OrtegaD
    Assemblymember
    Bill Author
    Profile
    Blanca PachecoD
    Assemblymember
    Committee Member
    Profile
    Gail PellerinD
    Assemblymember
    Committee Member
    Profile
    Kate SanchezR
    Assemblymember
    Committee Member
    Profile
    Tri TaR
    Assemblymember
    Committee Member
    Profile
    Caroline MenjivarD
    Senator
    Bill Author
    Profile
    Lola Smallwood-CuevasD
    Senator
    Bill Author
    Profile
    Jessica CalozaD
    Assemblymember
    Committee Member
    Profile
    Robert GarciaD
    Assemblymember
    Bill Author
    Profile
    Mark GonzalezD
    Assemblymember
    Committee Member
    Profile
    Heather HadwickR
    Assemblymember
    Committee Member
    Profile
    Chris RogersD
    Assemblymember
    Bill Author
    Profile
    Jose SolacheD
    Assemblymember
    Committee Member
    Profile
    Jesse ArreguinD
    Senator
    Bill Author
    Profile
    Jerry McNerneyD
    Senator
    Bill Author
    Profile
    Sasha Renee PerezD
    Senator
    Bill Author
    Profile
    Sade ElhawaryD
    Assemblymember
    Committee Member

    Get Involved

    Act Now!

    Email the authors or create an email template to send to all relevant legislators.

    Introduced By

    Jesse Arreguin
    Jesse ArreguinD
    California State Senator
    Sasha Renee Perez
    Sasha Renee PerezD
    California State Senator
    Scott Wiener
    Scott WienerD
    California State Senator
    Co-Authors
    Anna Caballero
    Anna CaballeroD
    California State Senator
    Sade Elhawary
    Sade ElhawaryD
    California State Assembly Member
    Ash Kalra
    Ash KalraD
    California State Assembly Member
    Alex Lee
    Alex LeeD
    California State Assembly Member
    Josh Becker
    Josh BeckerD
    California State Senator
    Mia Bonta
    Mia BontaD
    California State Assembly Member
    Juan Carrillo
    Juan CarrilloD
    California State Assembly Member
    Robert Garcia
    Robert GarciaD
    California State Assembly Member
    Lena Gonzalez
    Lena GonzalezD
    California State Senator
    Matt Haney
    Matt HaneyD
    California State Assembly Member
    Jerry McNerney
    Jerry McNerneyD
    California State Senator
    Caroline Menjivar
    Caroline MenjivarD
    California State Senator
    Liz Ortega
    Liz OrtegaD
    California State Assembly Member
    Chris Rogers
    Chris RogersD
    California State Assembly Member
    Lola Smallwood-Cuevas
    Lola Smallwood-CuevasD
    California State Senator
    40% progression
    Bill has passed all readings in its first house and is ready to move to the other house (5/8/2025)

    Latest Voting History

    View History
    July 15, 2025
    PASS
    Assembly Committee
    Assembly Public Safety Hearing
    AyesNoesNVRTotalResult
    5229PASS

    Key Takeaways

    • Prohibits law enforcement officers from wearing masks or facial coverings while on duty, with limited exceptions.
    • Requires agencies to notify local law enforcement 12 hours before operations involving facial coverings.
    • Mandates all law enforcement agencies to adopt facial covering policies by July 1, 2026.
    • Establishes penalties starting with an infraction for first offense and possible misdemeanor for repeat violations.

    Get Involved

    Act Now!

    Email the authors or create an email template to send to all relevant legislators.

    Introduced By

    Jesse Arreguin
    Jesse ArreguinD
    California State Senator
    Sasha Renee Perez
    Sasha Renee PerezD
    California State Senator
    Scott Wiener
    Scott WienerD
    California State Senator
    Co-Authors
    Anna Caballero
    Anna CaballeroD
    California State Senator
    Sade Elhawary
    Sade ElhawaryD
    California State Assembly Member
    Ash Kalra
    Ash KalraD
    California State Assembly Member
    Alex Lee
    Alex LeeD
    California State Assembly Member
    Josh Becker
    Josh BeckerD
    California State Senator
    Mia Bonta
    Mia BontaD
    California State Assembly Member
    Juan Carrillo
    Juan CarrilloD
    California State Assembly Member
    Robert Garcia
    Robert GarciaD
    California State Assembly Member
    Lena Gonzalez
    Lena GonzalezD
    California State Senator
    Matt Haney
    Matt HaneyD
    California State Assembly Member
    Jerry McNerney
    Jerry McNerneyD
    California State Senator
    Caroline Menjivar
    Caroline MenjivarD
    California State Senator
    Liz Ortega
    Liz OrtegaD
    California State Assembly Member
    Chris Rogers
    Chris RogersD
    California State Assembly Member
    Lola Smallwood-Cuevas
    Lola Smallwood-CuevasD
    California State Senator

    Summary

    Senators Wiener, Arreguín, and Pérez have introduced legislation prohibiting law enforcement officers from wearing facial coverings while performing their duties, with specific exceptions for undercover operations and SWAT team activities. The measure defines facial coverings as opaque masks, helmets, or other items that conceal an officer's facial identity, while explicitly permitting translucent face shields, medical masks, and protective equipment necessary for hazardous conditions.

    The bill requires law enforcement agencies to adopt facial covering policies by July 1, 2026, and mandates that agencies provide at least 12 hours advance notice to local law enforcement before conducting operations involving facial coverings. These notice requirements detail the operation's timing, location, planned actions, and duration, though exceptions exist for undercover work and emergencies involving immediate danger or suspect flight.

    Enforcement provisions establish a tiered penalty structure, with first violations classified as infractions and subsequent violations potentially charged as misdemeanors. The legislation applies to all peace officers under California law and federal law enforcement personnel operating within the state. Local agencies must implement these requirements without state reimbursement for costs related to the new enforcement provisions, though other mandated expenses may qualify for compensation if determined by the Commission on State Mandates.

    40% progression
    Bill has passed all readings in its first house and is ready to move to the other house (5/8/2025)

    Key Dates

    Next Step
    Referred to the Assembly Standing Committee on Appropriations
    Next Step
    Assembly Committee
    Referred to the Assembly Standing Committee on Appropriations
    Hearing scheduled for , 1021 O Street, Room 1100
    Assembly Public Safety Hearing
    Assembly Committee
    Assembly Public Safety Hearing
    Do pass as amended and be re-referred to the Committee on [Appropriations]
    Vote on Senate Floor
    Senate Floor
    Vote on Senate Floor
    Consent Calendar 2nd SB627 McGuire
    Senate Housing Hearing
    Senate Committee
    Senate Housing Hearing
    Do pass and be ordered to the Consent Calendar
    Senate Local Government Hearing
    Senate Committee
    Senate Local Government Hearing
    Do pass, but first be re-referred to the Committee on [Housing] with the recommendation: To Consent Calendar
    Introduced
    Senate Floor
    Introduced
    Introduced. Read first time. To Com. on RLS. for assignment. To print.

    Latest Voting History

    View History
    July 15, 2025
    PASS
    Assembly Committee
    Assembly Public Safety Hearing
    AyesNoesNVRTotalResult
    5229PASS

    Contacts

    Profile
    Anna CaballeroD
    Senator
    Bill Author
    Not Contacted
    Not Contacted
    Profile
    Ash KalraD
    Assemblymember
    Bill Author
    Not Contacted
    Not Contacted
    Profile
    Scott WienerD
    Senator
    Bill Author
    Not Contacted
    Not Contacted
    Profile
    Joaquin ArambulaD
    Assemblymember
    Committee Member
    Not Contacted
    Not Contacted
    Profile
    Buffy WicksD
    Assemblymember
    Committee Member
    Not Contacted
    Not Contacted
    0 of 32 row(s) selected.
    Page 1 of 7
    Select All Legislators
    Profile
    Anna CaballeroD
    Senator
    Bill Author
    Profile
    Ash KalraD
    Assemblymember
    Bill Author
    Profile
    Scott WienerD
    Senator
    Bill Author
    Profile
    Joaquin ArambulaD
    Assemblymember
    Committee Member
    Profile
    Buffy WicksD
    Assemblymember
    Committee Member
    Profile
    Lena GonzalezD
    Senator
    Bill Author
    Profile
    Alex LeeD
    Assemblymember
    Bill Author
    Profile
    Josh BeckerD
    Senator
    Bill Author
    Profile
    Lisa CalderonD
    Assemblymember
    Committee Member
    Profile
    Mia BontaD
    Assemblymember
    Bill Author
    Profile
    Mike FongD
    Assemblymember
    Committee Member
    Profile
    Matt HaneyD
    Assemblymember
    Bill Author
    Profile
    Diane DixonR
    Assemblymember
    Committee Member
    Profile
    Gregg HartD
    Assemblymember
    Committee Member
    Profile
    Juan CarrilloD
    Assemblymember
    Bill Author
    Profile
    Liz OrtegaD
    Assemblymember
    Bill Author
    Profile
    Blanca PachecoD
    Assemblymember
    Committee Member
    Profile
    Gail PellerinD
    Assemblymember
    Committee Member
    Profile
    Kate SanchezR
    Assemblymember
    Committee Member
    Profile
    Tri TaR
    Assemblymember
    Committee Member
    Profile
    Caroline MenjivarD
    Senator
    Bill Author
    Profile
    Lola Smallwood-CuevasD
    Senator
    Bill Author
    Profile
    Jessica CalozaD
    Assemblymember
    Committee Member
    Profile
    Robert GarciaD
    Assemblymember
    Bill Author
    Profile
    Mark GonzalezD
    Assemblymember
    Committee Member
    Profile
    Heather HadwickR
    Assemblymember
    Committee Member
    Profile
    Chris RogersD
    Assemblymember
    Bill Author
    Profile
    Jose SolacheD
    Assemblymember
    Committee Member
    Profile
    Jesse ArreguinD
    Senator
    Bill Author
    Profile
    Jerry McNerneyD
    Senator
    Bill Author
    Profile
    Sasha Renee PerezD
    Senator
    Bill Author
    Profile
    Sade ElhawaryD
    Assemblymember
    Committee Member