Maryland lawmakers debate bill limiting face coverings for law enforcement officers

MARYLAND — Maryland’s legislative session is in full swing, and one controversial bill is set to be discussed this Thursday. Senate Bill 1 would generally prohibit law enforcement officers — including federal officers such as U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) — from wearing face coverings while performing their duties in Maryland, except in limited, clearly defined circumstances.

Rather than imposing an absolute ban, the bill requires the Maryland Police Training and Standards Commission (MPTSC) develop a statewide model policy restricting the use of face coverings by officers. All law enforcement agencies operating in Maryland, including federal agencies would be required to adopt policies consistent with that model. Officers would be prohibited from wearing face coverings unless expressly authorized by agency policy, with an explicit exemption for officers actively engaged in undercover operations.

According to the bill, the model policy must emphasize transparency, accountability, and public trust, and state that generalized fear for officer safety alone is not sufficient justification for concealing an officer’s face. The bill includes several exceptions. Items such as medical or surgical masks, breathing apparatus used in hazardous conditions, motorcycle helmets, religious garments, eye protection against lasers, and protective gear worn for physical safety during tactical operations would not be considered prohibited face coverings.

Officials are divided ahead of the bill’s referral to committee.

Maryland Republican Delegate Wayne Hartman expressed opposition to the bill, emphasizing his support for law enforcement.

“I certainly support law enforcement. I want to keep them as safe as possible,” Hartman said. “If they feel that’s needed to protect them in their private life, then I want to do anything I can to help protect them and do whatever I can to help defeat legislation like this.”

Hartman argued the bill could easily be challenged in court, particularly its application to federal officers.

“For a state to think they could dictate how federal law enforcement operates, I think it’s an overreach,” Hartman said. “If it were to pass, I think it could easily be struck down and found unconstitutional.”

The bill is sponsored by 18 Democratic senators. On the Eastern Shore, Worcester County Sheriff Matt Crisafulli said the legislation could put officers at risk.

“We want them to have the right equipment that can protect them,” Crisafulli said. “When you take away from the safety of a law enforcement officer, you’re potentially hurting every law enforcement officer in the nation.”

Crisafulli added that requiring officers to show their faces could endanger them and their families, as national tensions surrounding federal law enforcement continue.

“If these men and women are identified, it not only puts them in danger but could also put their families at risk when they’re off duty and recognized,” he said. “Policymakers aren’t considering the safety of these men and women when they’re trying to do their jobs.”

Hartman echoed those concerns, pointing to the impact on officers’ personal lives.

“I certainly don’t want a person doing their job if they’re recognized from the media or wherever when they’re out, even at the grocery store, being harassed when they’re with their family,” Hartman said. “If that’s what they need to do to have a normal life outside of work, then I want to support them 100%.”

Under the bill, an officer who violates the face-covering prohibition could be charged with a misdemeanor, punishable by up to two years in prison and/or a $2,000 fine. They would also lose civil immunity related to the violation. Such a violation would constitute police misconduct under Maryland’s existing police accountability and disciplinary system.

Instead, Hartman is hoping to discuss issues like the budget deficit in the 90-day session.

“We have some of the bigger issues here in Maryland, like a budget deficit of $1.6 billion,” Hartman said. “We need to focus on things that are really pertaining to Maryland and what Marylanders want us to fix. We only have 90 days here, and I don’t think trying to do something outside our state’s boundaries is where we should be spending our time.”

Multiple Democratic lawmakers were contacted for comment but were unavailable. The bill is scheduled for discussion in session on Jan. 22 at 1:00 p.m.

WMDT will continue to provide details on this story as updates are made available.