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KS SB469
Bill
Status
2/3/2026
Primary Sponsor
Cindy Holscher
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AI Summary
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All Kansas law enforcement agencies must adopt and publicly post a written policy on facial covering use by July 1, 2026, including a commitment to transparency and accountability
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Officers are prohibited from wearing facial coverings that conceal their identity while on duty, except during authorized undercover operations, tactical operations requiring protective gear, health/safety compliance, identity protection during prosecution, or reasonable accommodations
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Violations constitute a class A nonperson misdemeanor, and officers who commit assault, battery, false arrest, or similar torts while illegally masked lose immunity protections and face minimum $10,000 in statutory damages
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"Facial covering" includes balaclavas, tactical masks, ski masks, and similar items, but excludes translucent face shields, medical masks for disease prevention, respirators for hazardous conditions, motorcycle helmets, and protective eyewear
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Members of the public may submit written challenges to agency policies, with court review available if deficiencies are not 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
Senate Referred to Committee on Judiciary
2/4/2026