This bill adds a new section to chapter 10.116 RCW that prohibits law enforcement officers from wearing a "facial covering" while interacting with the public in the performance of their duties, and requires peace officers to be reasonably identifiable by a clearly displayed name or other visible information on their uniform consistent with RCW 10.116.050. The bill defines "facial covering" (examples include balaclava, tactical mask, gator, ski mask) and expressly excludes translucent face shields or clear masks that do not conceal identity, N95 or surgical masks and respirators used for disease protection or hazardous conditions, and helmets used for bicycle or motor vehicle safety. It also defines "law enforcement officer," "undercover operation," and "undercover operative." The prohibition includes two explicit exceptions: active undercover operatives engaged in authorized undercover operations, and SWAT officers wearing protective gear necessary to protect their faces. The bill creates a private right of action allowing a person detained in violation of this section to sue the officer in the officer's official capacity; a prevailing claimant may recover compensatory and punitive damages, costs and reasonable attorneys' fees, injunctive relief, and other relief the court deems appropriate. A severability clause is included. Procedurally, the bill was prefiled 12/19/25, read for the first time 01/12/26, and referred to the Committee on Community Safety. The text does not specify an effective date or the exact new section number within chapter 10.116 RCW, and it relies on external RCW provisions (RCW 10.116.010 and RCW 10.116.050) whose full text is not included here.

If enacted, the bill would require peace officers and qualifying federal agents to wear clearly visible name or identification on their uniforms and would bar officers from wearing opaque face coverings while interacting with the public, with narrow exceptions for active undercover operatives and face protection needed by SWAT. That change would directly affect state and local law enforcement agencies, federal agents who meet the bill’s criteria, undercover units, and members of the public by changing what officers must wear and how officers present their identity during public interactions. The law also creates a private right of action allowing a person detained in violation of the rule to sue the officer in the officer’s official capacity and seek compensatory and punitive damages, attorneys’ fees, costs, injunctive relief, and other court-ordered remedies. Practically, agencies are likely to face increased liability and potential legal costs, and they will need to update policies and training to avoid violations; however, the bill text here does not specify an effective date or the exact new section number, and it depends on definitions in other RCW sections that are not included, so timing and some implementation details remain unclear.