California Bill Would Bar Officers From Wearing Masks

A proposed law in California would bar law enforcement officials from wearing masks while interacting with the public.

The bill was introduced as a series of immigration raids across the country — carried out in some instances by masked officers — have touched off intense protests in California and elsewhere across the nation.

The proposed law, announced by two Democratic lawmakers on Monday, would apply to local, state and federal law enforcement officials. It would make it a misdemeanor for them to wear masks while on duty, except in certain circumstances. The bill would also “state the intent of the Legislature” to pass separate legislation requiring officers to display their name and badge number on their uniforms.

“We’re seeing the rise of secret police — masked, no identifying info, even wearing army fatigues — grabbing and disappearing people,” State Senator Scott Wiener, one of the lawmakers who proposed the bill, wrote in a social media post announcing the legislation.

“It’s antithetical to democracy and harms communities,” added Mr. Wiener, whose district includes San Francisco.

The bill, known as the “No Secret Police Act,” would provide an exemption for SWAT members and officers who use masks to reduce harm, including to prevent disease transmission or smoke inhalation. But the proposed law is still in the early stages of the approval process, and it’s unclear if, or how, it could be applied to federal officers.