CALIFORNIA – Senators Scott Weiner and Jesse Arreguin authored SB-627 “No Secret Police Act” that would make it a misdemeanor for a law enforcement officer to wear any mask or personal disguise while interacting with the public, with exceptions.
“Secret police behavior tanks trust & must end” posted Weiner on X. “We’re seeing the rise of secret police — masked, no identifying info, even wearing army fatigues — grabbing & disappearing people.”
We’re announcing new legislation — the No Secret Police Act (SB 627) — to ban local/state/federal law enforcement, w/ some exceptions, from covering their faces when interacting w/ the public & require them to wear identifying info
Secret police behavior tanks trust & must end🧵
— Senator Scott Wiener (@Scott_Wiener) June 16, 2025
He goes on to say that the No Secret Police Act can help end the fear and chaos this behavior creates in communities.
Exemptions
The bill defines law enforcement officer as anyone acting on behalf of local, state, or federal law enforcement agencies.
It would also require law enforcement to display clearly visible names or badge numbers on their uniforms.
The ban does not apply to:
- SWAT teams;
- Medical or N95 masks;
- Masks worn for wildfire protection or other emergency scenarios.
To read the full bill visit https://fastdemocracy.com/bill-search/ca/2025-2026/bills/CAB00035011
