Loading chat...
KS HB2658
Bill
Status
2/3/2026
Primary Sponsor
Angela Martinez
Click for details
AI Summary
-
All Kansas law enforcement agencies must adopt and publicly post a written policy on facial coverings by July 1, 2026, including a commitment to transparency and specific circumstances when coverings are permitted (undercover operations, tactical safety, health compliance, identity protection during prosecution)
-
Law enforcement officers are prohibited from wearing facial coverings that conceal their identity while on duty, except in authorized circumstances; violations constitute a class A nonperson misdemeanor
-
Officers who commit assault, battery, false imprisonment, false arrest, abuse of process, or malicious prosecution while illegally wearing a facial covering lose immunity protections and face liability for actual damages or minimum $10,000 statutory damages
-
"Facial covering" includes balaclavas, tactical masks, ski masks, and similar items, but excludes translucent face shields, medical masks, protective respirators, motorcycle helmets, and protective eyewear
-
Members of the public, oversight bodies, or local authorities may challenge non-compliant policies through written complaint to the agency head, with judicial review available if deficiencies aren't corrected within 90 days
Legislative Description
Enacting the safe and transparent arrest act to require all law enforcement agencies operating in Kansas to adopt a written policy regarding the use of facial coverings and prohibit law enforcement officers from wearing a facial covering that conceals or obscures their facial identity in the performance of their duties except as expressly authorized by law.
Last Action
House Referred to Committee on Transportation and Public Safety Budget
2/3/2026