Law enforcement: masks.

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.