Lawmakers in Oregon have approved legislation that would limit when law enforcement officers can wear face coverings while carrying out their duties.
The measure, House Bill 4138, also known as the Law Enforcement Accountability Act, requires agencies operating in the state to adopt and publicly post policies restricting facial coverings to specific situations such as undercover work, SWAT operations, fire protection or health and safety needs.
The bill passed the Oregon House of Representatives and the Oregon Senate this week and now heads to Tina Kotek for signature.
Supporters say the law is meant to increase transparency and accountability, particularly during immigration enforcement actions carried out by federal officers such as those from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
State Rep. Farrah Chaichi, a Democrat from Aloha who introduced the bill, said the measure responds to concerns about masked officers conducting enforcement operations in communities.
Under the legislation, officers on duty would also be required to clearly display their name or badge number and identify the agency they represent.
The bill would apply to law enforcement agencies operating within Oregon and would allow people harmed by violations to seek a court injunction.
Supporters say the measure comes amid increasing immigration enforcement in the state under the administration of Donald Trump.
Similar legislation has been considered in other states. California previously passed a comparable law, though a federal judge temporarily blocked its enforcement after determining it could discriminate against federal agencies.
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