Overview

• The revised plan would impose fines on mask violations at public gatherings, dropping the jail sentences first proposed for repeat offenders.
• The mayor argues that state-enacted restrictions are too lenient to prevent masked individuals from committing criminal acts or targeting protesters.
• NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch raised concerns about including jail penalties even as she backs stronger face-covering rules.
• City Hall has privately approached Bronx Councilman Eric Dinowitz and members of the Council’s Jewish Caucus to secure a sponsor for the local ordinance.
• Council figures such as Brooklyn’s Justin Brannan and Queens Councilwoman Joann Ariola have expressed doubts about the need for new legislation given existing state-level rules.