Washington legislation · 2025-26 Regular Session
Washington SB5855: Law enf. face coverings
Status: Signed into law, March 19, 2026
Concerning the use of face coverings by law enforcement officers.
What the bill says
An act Relating to the use of face coverings by law enforcement officers; adding a new section to chapter 10.116 RCW; and declaring an emergency. NEW SECTION.
From the enrolled text:
AN ACT Relating to the use of face coverings by law enforcement officers; adding a new section to chapter 10.116 RCW; and declaring an emergency. NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. A new section is added to chapter 10.116 RCW to read as follows: (1) The definitions in this subsection apply throughout this section unless the context clearly requires otherwise. (a) "Facial covering" means any opaque mask, garment, or other item that conceals or obscures the facial identity of an individual including, but not limited to, a balaclava, tactical mask, gator, ski mask, and any similar type of facial covering or face-shielding item. "Facial covering" does not include any of the following: (i) A translucent face shield or clear mask that does not conceal the wearer's facial identity. (ii) An N95 medical mask or surgical mask to protect against transmission of disease or infection or any other mask or device including, but not limited to, air-purifying respirators, full or half masks, or self-contained breathing apparatuses necessary to protect against exposure to any toxin, gas, smoke, or any other hazardous environmental condition. (iii) A helmet used to protect the wearer's head during transportation on a bicycle, wheeled all-terrain vehicle as defined in RCW 46.09.310, snowmobile as defined in RCW 46.04.546, helicopter, or any other vehicle for which a helmet may be used to …
Sponsors
- Javier Valdez (D) · primary sponsor
- Mike Chapman (D)
- John Lovick (D)
- Yasmin Trudeau (D)
- Lisa Wellman (D)
- Vandana Slatter (D)
- Jessica Bateman (D)
- Noel Frame (D)
- Adrian Cortes (D)
- Rebecca Saldaña (D)
- June Robinson (D)
- Derek Stanford (D)
Latest actions
- : Effective date 3/19/2026.
- : Chapter 115, 2026 Laws.
- : Governor signed.
- : Delivered to Governor.
- : Speaker signed.
- : President signed.
- : Passed final passage; yeas, 30; nays, 19; absent, 0; excused, 0.
- : Senate concurred in House amendments.
- : Third reading, passed; yeas, 56; nays, 37; absent, 0; excused, 5.
- : Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.
Votes
- Final Passage as Amended by the House (March 9, 2026): 30 yea, 19 nay, passed
- Final Passage as Amended by the House (March 3, 2026): 56 yea, 37 nay, passed
- House Committee on Community Safety: Do pass as amended (February 23, 2026): 6 yea, 2 nay, passed
- 3rd Reading & Final Passage (January 28, 2026): 30 yea, 19 nay, passed
- Senate Committee on Law & Justice: That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5855 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass (January 15, 2026): 5 yea, 4 nay, passed
Subjects: LAW ENFORCEMENT
Common questions
- What is SB5855?
- SB5855 is a bill in the Washington Legislature (2025-26 Regular Session): Law enf. face coverings.
- What does SB5855 do?
- In its own words: An act Relating to the use of face coverings by law enforcement officers; adding a new section to chapter 10.116 RCW; and declaring an emergency. NEW SECTION.
- What is the status of SB5855?
- Signed into law as of March 19, 2026. Latest action: Effective date 3/19/2026. (March 19, 2026).
- Who sponsored SB5855?
- Javier Valdez (D), with 11 co-sponsors.
- Where is the official record for SB5855?
- On the Washington Legislature website: https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5855&Year=2025
Source: official Washington record. Tracked by Delilah, AI for legislation across all 50 states and Congress.