AZ HB2977

Law enforcement officers in Arizona are prohibited from wearing facial coverings that conceal their face while on duty, with specific exceptions for undercover operations, tactical operations requiring protective gear, and SWAT team activities.

Law enforcement agencies must publicly post a policy on their website regarding facial coverings that affirms commitment to transparency, accountability, and public trust.

Facial coverings subject to the prohibition include balaclavas, tactical masks, gators, ski masks, and similar items that obscure an officer's facial identity.

Exemptions include translucent face shields, medical/surgical masks for disease protection, equipment for hazardous conditions (respirators, breathing apparatus), underwater gear, motorcycle helmets, and protective eyewear against lasers.

The law applies to municipal police departments, county sheriff's offices, the Department of Public Safety, and federal law enforcement officers making arrests under federal law in Arizona.