Sept. 5 (UPI) -- A California bill would create a state law that says law enforcement officers operating in the state would not be allowed to wear face coverings and would have to identify themselves.
SB 627 has been approved by the state's legislature and now heads to the desk of Gov. Gavin Newsom. It does make exceptions for certain situations to protect police from tear gas and other attacks. Lawmakers are hoping they can make it stick for federal agents, too.
"As the Trump Administration expands the use of secret police tactics, SB 627 boosts transparency and supports public safety by bolstering public trust in law enforcement," a press release from state Rep. Scott Weiner said. Wiener, D-San Francisco, and Jesse Arreguín, D-Berkeley, are the sponsors of the bill.
"We have to stand up and say no to the secret police raining fear and intimidation on communities across California," Wiener said in a statement. "Law enforcement should never be easily confused with the guy in the ski mask robbing a liquor store, yet that's what's happening with [Immigration and Customs Enforcement's] extreme masking. In the face of rising fascism, California must hold those who are threatening our communities accountable and restore confidence in our local law enforcement who are proud to show their faces."
