UT SB0136

State and local law enforcement agencies are prohibited from assisting federal immigration authorities with immigration enforcement operations at sensitive locations (public libraries, government health care facilities, courthouses, shelters, legal services) and houses of worship, unless there is imminent threat, a federal criminal warrant, or exigent circumstances.

Law enforcement officers are generally prohibited from wearing facial coverings (balaclavas, tactical masks, ski masks) while performing official duties, with exceptions for tactical unit operations, undercover assignments, and agency-approved policies.

Intentional violation of the facial covering prohibition is a class C misdemeanor effective July 1, 2026; officers who commit assault, battery, false arrest, or similar offenses while knowingly wearing prohibited facial coverings lose immunity and face minimum $10,000 in damages.

Law enforcement agencies must create and publicly post written facial covering policies by July 1, 2026 that affirm commitments to transparency and accountability and restrict mask use to specific, limited circumstances.

Government entities operating sensitive locations must deny non-public area access to individuals conducting immigration enforcement operations unless they present a valid federal court warrant, face imminent threat, or exigent circumstances exist; the bill takes effect May 6, 2026.