Signed by Governor Mikie Sherrill

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that prohibits law enforcement officers from wearing masks while interacting with the public in New Jersey.

Highlights:

• Prohibits law enforcement officers from wearing a mask while performing official duties (Sec. 1).

• Authorizes a law enforcement officer to wear a face mask when they are (Sec. 3):

• Engaged in an undercover assignment or tactical operation;

• The subject of a threat of retaliation resulting from the performance of the officer’s duties;

• Wearing a shield that does not conceal the officer’s face to protect the officer from harm;

• Wearing a medical grade mask or N95 respirator designed to prevent the transmission of diseases;

• Wearing a mask for protection against exposure to smoke during a State of Emergency;

• Wearing a mask designed to protect against exposure to cold during a weather emergency; or

• Wearing a mask to protect against exposure to biological or chemical agents.

• Requires every law enforcement officer to provide sufficient identification prior to detaining or arresting an individual, with certain exceptions (Sec. 4).

• Requires the Attorney General to issue guidelines or directives necessary to enforce the provisions of this act (Sec. 5).

• Specifies that this act shall take effect immediately upon passage (Sec. 6).

Full Bill Text

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that prohibits law enforcement officers from wearing masks while interacting with the public in New Jersey.

Highlights:

• Prohibits law enforcement officers from wearing a mask while performing official duties (Sec. 1).

• Authorizes a law enforcement officer to wear a face mask when they are (Sec. 3):

• Engaged in an undercover assignment or tactical operation;

• The subject of a threat of retaliation resulting from the performance of the officer’s duties;

• Wearing a shield that does not conceal the officer’s face to protect the officer from harm;

• Wearing a medical grade mask or N95 respirator designed to prevent the transmission of diseases;

• Wearing a mask for protection against exposure to smoke during a State of Emergency;

• Wearing a mask designed to protect against exposure to cold during a weather emergency; or

• Wearing a mask to protect against exposure to biological or chemical agents.

• Requires every law enforcement officer to provide sufficient identification prior to detaining or arresting an individual, with certain exceptions (Sec. 4).

• Requires the Attorney General to issue guidelines or directives necessary to enforce the provisions of this act (Sec. 5).

• Specifies that this act shall take effect immediately upon passage (Sec. 6).

Full Bill Text