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WV HB5479
Bill
Status
Introduced
2/12/2026
Primary Sponsor
Sean Hornbuckle
Click for details
AI Summary
- Prohibits law enforcement officers from intentionally concealing their identity or authority during non-custodial investigatory stops conducted without a warrant and not supported by probable cause
- Bans officers from wearing masks, face coverings, or other devices that obscure their face during such stops, and prohibits intentionally failing to identify as law enforcement or obscuring badges
- Provides exceptions for officers acting under valid warrants, conducting authorized undercover operations, when concealment is authorized by law, when disclosure creates imminent safety risks, or during exigent circumstances
- Amends West Virginia's Federal Immigration Enforcement article (§15-16-9) to add these identity disclosure requirements
- Introduced February 12, 2026, by Delegates Hornbuckle, Pushkin, Lewis, Hamilton, Garcia, and Hansen and referred to the House Judiciary Committee
Legislative Description
Relating to prohibiting concealment of a law-enforcement officer’s identity or authority.
Public Safety
Last Action
To House Judiciary
2/12/2026
Committee Referrals
Judiciary2/12/2026
Full Bill Text
No bill text available