‘No Secret Police Act’ awaits Governor Newsom’s signature – NBC Los Angeles

A state bill that would make it a misdemeanor offense for law enforcement officers, including federal agents, who wear face coverings while on duty headed to Governor Gavin Newsom’s desk Friday after it passed both the state senate and state assembly.

SB 627 also known as the No Secret Police Act would also mandate local and state as well as federal law enforcement officers to wear an identifiable uniform during any operations in public.

The legislation, introduced by Senators Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) and Jesse Arreguin (D-Berkeley), aims to boost transparency as federal agents conducting immigration enforcement operations drew criticism for covering up their faces and driving in unmarked vehicles.

“The recent federal operations in California have created an environment of profound terror,” Wiener said in a statement. “If we want the public to trust law enforcement, we cannot allow them to behave like secret police in an authoritarian state.”

Those who have to wear medical-grade masks for health purposes during wildfires, for example, would be exempt. Officers conducting SWAT or undercover operations would not have to follow the mandate.

Law enforcement organizations, including the Peace Officers Research Association of California, have opposed the bill, saying it could expose officers’ identities and make them vulnerable to threats. 

And critics have argued the bill, even if it becomes a law in California, would not have any enforcement power as the Supremacy Clause of the U.S. Constitution would allow federal government agencies, such as the Department of Homeland Security, to preempt the state regulation.

If signed by Governor Newsom, the new mandate would go into effect on July 1, 2026.

The governor’s office declined to say whether he plans to approve or reject SB 627 in a statement to NBC Los Angeles, saying it does not comment on pending legislation.

A similar bill is in the works at the federal level as the Democratic coalition within the U.S. House of Representatives introduced H.R. 4176 in June a couple of weeks after Los Angeles ICE raids began.

Similar to the state bill, the federal legislation would prohibit certain face coverings by law enforcement while requiring border and immigration agents from the Department of Homeland Security to have clear identifications and insignia while on duty.

It is not clear whether the proposal would have enough support in the Republican-led House.

As of Friday, the federal bill was not assigned to any committee, which is designated by Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R-Louisiana).