The proposed bill, known as the Rhode Island Community Protection Act, aims to regulate the use of masks and disguises by law enforcement officers during public interactions. It establishes that law enforcement officers are prohibited from wearing any mask or personal disguise while performing their official duties, with specific exemptions for situations such as undercover assignments, health-related needs (like surgical or N95 masks), protection against smoke during fire situations, water rescue operations, exposure to biological or chemical agents, protection against cold during declared weather emergencies, SWAT operations, and high-risk situations including shootouts or hostage situations.

Violations of this act would result in criminal penalties, classifying the offense as a misdemeanor with potential imprisonment of up to one year or fines up to $1,000. Additionally, the bill introduces civil liability, stating that individuals who commit certain torts—such as assault, battery, false imprisonment, false arrest, abuse of process, or malicious prosecution—while wearing a mask in knowing and willful violation of this act would not be able to claim any legal immunity and would be liable for damages of at least $10,000. The provisions of the act are designed to be severable, ensuring that if any part is deemed invalid, the remaining sections will still be enforceable. The act is set to take effect upon passage.