The bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 609.735, to modify the circumstances under which individuals may conceal their identity in public. It establishes that wearing a robe, mask, or other disguise is generally considered a misdemeanor unless it is based on religious beliefs, incidental to amusement or entertainment, for protection from weather, or for medical treatment. Additionally, the bill introduces new provisions that allow for exceptions specifically for law enforcement officers.

Under the new legal language, the section clarifies that the prohibitions on concealing identity do not apply to peace officers or federal law enforcement officers while they are performing their official duties. This includes situations where an undercover officer needs to conceal their identity to maintain the integrity of an investigation or ensure their safety, as well as for members of a tactical response team who may need to wear face masks to protect against serious disfigurement.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 609.735