California Enacts Ban on Face Coverings in Law Enforcement

Policy ID

CA-LA-2025-9-20

State Response

Statewide,

Legislative Action

Face Coverings, Federal Law Enforcement, State and Local Law Enforcement

Short Description

In September 2025, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed SB-627, the No Secret Police Act, which prohibits federal and state law enforcement from wearing facial coverings while performing their duties, with limited exceptions. It also makes a violation of this provision punishable as an infraction or misdemeanor.

Date Adopted

09/20/2025

Updates

In November 2025, the Trump administration filed a lawsuit to block implementation of the mask ban. In February 2026, U.S. District Court Judge Christnia Snyder ruled against the state, finding that the mask ban unlawfully discriminated against the federal government.