Loading chat...
RI H7211
Bill
Status
1/21/2026
Primary Sponsor
Leonela Felix
Click for details
AI Summary
-
Prohibits law enforcement officers from wearing masks or disguises while interacting with the public during official duties, with exceptions for medical masks, smoke/cold protection, water rescue, and biological/chemical exposure situations
-
Exempts SWAT team officers using protective gear, officers in high-risk situations (shootouts, standoffs, hostage/terrorist situations), and officers engaged in undercover assignments
-
Requires officers to display visible identification showing their name or badge number and their employing agency's name or initials, except during undercover assignments
-
Establishes criminal penalties of up to one year imprisonment and/or fines up to $1,000 for violations
-
Creates civil liability for officers who commit assault, battery, false imprisonment, false arrest, abuse of process, or malicious prosecution while violating the mask prohibition, with statutory damages of at least $10,000 and loss of immunity protections
Legislative Description
Bars police from wearing masks or disguises when interacting with the public, require visible ID, allow limited safety and undercover exceptions, and impose criminal penalties and civil liability for violations.
State Affairs And Government
Last Action
Committee recommended measure be held for further study
3/4/2026