BILL NUMBER: S8462
SPONSOR: FAHY
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the executive law, in relation to prohibiting law
enforcement officers from wearing any mask or personal disguise while
interacting with the public in the performance of their duties
 
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:
Prohibits law enforcement officers from wearing any mask or personal
disguise while interacting with the public in performance of their
duties, except as specified.
 
SUMMARY OF SPECIFIC PROVISIONS:
Section 1 amends the Executive Law by adding a new section 838-c which
states law enforcement officers shall not wear a mask or personal
disguise while interacting with the public in the performance of their
duties, except for medical grade masks to prevent spread of disease;
masks to prevent exposure to smoke, biological and chemical agents;
facial covering to protect against extreme weather; or equipment needed
during water-rescue operations.
Section 2 is the severability clause.
Section 3 establishes the effective date.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
Across our state and nation, ICE has used masked tactics to sow fear and
paranoia in immigrant and minority communities. From the Bronx to Feder-
al Plaza, and the NYC Comptroller, people are being taken by masked
agents. Intensifying raids are putting citizens and noncitizens alike at
risk of being abducted by secret police. People are being taken off our
streets and disappeared to extra-national concentration camps without
due process.
This bill will ensure that ICE and all those who have the power to
enforce our laws are held accountable to the people through transparen-
cy. History teaches us that once police begin to hide their identity the
future of that nation is rarely free, stable, or democratic. This bill
will help to protect the rights of all people in New York and hinder the
proliferation of a secret police state.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
This is a new bill.
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
None.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.