The proposed bill, titled the "Visible Identification Standards for Immigration-Based Law Enforcement Act" (referred to as the VISIBLE Act), mandates that covered immigration officers must wear visible identification during public immigration enforcement functions. This identification must include the name or initials of their employing agency and their last name or badge number, displayed in a manner that is clearly legible from a distance. Additionally, the bill prohibits these officers from wearing face coverings that obscure their identifying information or their face, with exceptions for covert operations or hazardous conditions. The State Board of Immigration Enforcement is tasked with investigating complaints regarding violations of these requirements and ensuring compliance.

Furthermore, the bill amends existing statutes to prohibit law enforcement officers from wearing face coverings while performing their official duties, with specific provisions for undercover operations that require advance notice to the sheriff. Violations of these face covering regulations carry penalties, including infractions for first offenses and misdemeanors for subsequent violations. The Department of Law Enforcement is required to adopt rules regarding face coverings by October 1, 2026, and the act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
S 316 Filed: 943.1718