Overview

• Senate Bill 627, introduced by Sens. Scott Wiener and Jesse Arreguín on June 16, would bar local, state and federal officers from wearing masks during public interactions and mandate visible identification on uniforms.
• The measure carves out exemptions for SWAT teams, officers wearing medical‐grade masks and personnel using transparent riot shields or protective masks during natural disasters.
• A DHS spokesperson criticized the bill for making officers vulnerable to doxxing and attacks, using the term “despicable” to describe the effort.
• Legal scholars say California may lack authority to regulate federal agents’ attire, setting the stage for potential court challenges if the bill advances.
• Backers argue the ban would restore transparency and public trust after masked ICE operations in Los Angeles and other California cities triggered protests.