QUICK SUMMARY

• Bans state & federal law-enforcement officers from wearing facial coverings while on duty.
• The Bill allows a mask to be worn for health reasons or while on SWAT duty.
• The ban is lifted if the officer’s department has a written policy about facial coverings.
• Officers who violate the ban will face disciplinary action or a Class 1 Misdemeanor (a criminal charge).
• The Bill requires the Department of Criminal Justice Services to create a model policy on when facial coverings can be used.
• The Bill creates a civil cause of action for anyone harmed by an officer who violates the facial-covering rule.
• The Bill creates a civil right to sue the officer if a person is injured while the officer was knowingly violating the mask ban.
• The bill removes sovereign immunity, making it easier to sue the officer for the harmful actions.

THE RALLY VERDICT

• SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS BEWARE!!
• This bill puts our law-enforcement officers in danger.
• Officers risk being exposed, targeted, and doxxed, by gang members etc.
• The bill opens the door to personal lawsuits against officers.
• It eliminates sovereign immunity, meaning officers can be sued personally — even for split-second decisions made in dangerous environments. That’s unfair and demoralizing.
• One-size-fits-all mandates from Richmond don’t work.
• Local commanders know when facial protection is necessary. This bill strips departments of flexibility and imposes rigid political rules on life-or-death situations.
• This bill punishes the people who protect us.
• Instead of supporting law enforcement, it creates new crimes, new liabilities, and new ways for officers to lose their careers.
• At a time when recruitment and retention are collapsing, this bill drives officers away.
• Adding more penalties, lawsuits, and red tape will only shrink an already struggling police force — hurting public safety for every Virginian.