California lawmakers pass bill barring authorities from wearing face masks

"SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- California state lawmakers have passed legislation that would ban most law enforcement officers from covering their faces while carrying out operations, a response to recent immigration raids in Los Angeles. But even if the governor signs the measure into law, it's unclear whether the state could enforce it on the federal agents who have been carrying out those raids. It is the first such bill to be approved by a state legislature,"

"The bill would prohibit neck gator, ski masks and other facial covering for local and federal officers, including immigration enforcement agents, while they conduct official business. It makes exceptions for undercover agents, medical masks such as N95 respirators or tactical gear. Gov. Gavin Newsom has about a month to decide whether to sign it into law. The Democratic governor has criticized federal agents' use of masks while making arrests but in July also questioned the state's authority over federal agents."

California approved legislation banning most law enforcement officers from covering their faces while conducting official operations, prompted by recent immigration raids in Los Angeles. The prohibition targets neck gaiters, ski masks and similar coverings and applies to local and federal officers, including immigration enforcement agents, with exceptions for undercover work, medical masks like N95 respirators and tactical gear. The governor has about a month to sign or veto the bill, and questions remain about the state's ability to enforce the ban against federal agents. Similar proposals have been introduced in Congress and several other states.

Read at ABC7 Los Angeles