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Law enforcement could be required to remove masks, show visible IDs in Pennsylvania

(WHTM) — A newly proposed bill in the State House could make it much easier to identify law enforcement.

According to a co-sponsorship memo, The Officer Visibility Act, circulated by Rep. Paul Friel (D-26), among others, would require all government agents and law enforcement to wear identifiable uniforms or clothing and prohibit the use of face coverings, masks, or concealing apparel that obscures identity during operations, under defined circumstances.

Rep. Friel's memo says notable federal agents, including Homeland Security and US Border Patrol, have allowed government agents to act without identification and conceal their faces while performing duties, which the memo says creates an "unsafe environment for both citizens and law enforcement officers."

The memo cites multiple "high-profile and alarming incidents" in which individuals impersonated law enforcement officers, including the targeted assassinations of state legislators in Minnesota, as reasons to support the bill.

The memo adds that current federal practices, particularly the deployment of masked or unidentifiable personnel, "contradict core public safety principles and blur the line between lawful authority and unlawful coercion."

Rep. Friel's memo lists the following key provisions of the proposed legislation:

Mandatory Identification: All officers and agents acting in any official capacity must wear clearly visible identification that includes:

Name or badge number

Department or agency name

Uniform or standard clothing that aligns with agency protocols

Prohibition on Concealment: Officers may not wear masks, facial coverings, or other garments that obscure their identity unless:

Engaged in sanctioned undercover activity

Operating in declared health emergencies requiring PPE (subject to clear markings)

Criminal Penalties for Violations: Penalties for impersonating law enforcement or unauthorized use of identifying uniforms or insignia will be increased, with mandatory minimums for impersonation in the context of violence or attempted violence.

Civil Penalties for failure to properly identify or concealing identity by government officials.

Rep. Friel says the provisions will enhance public and officer safety, reinforce public trust through accountability and transparency, and deter political violence.

The bill has not been submitted for introduction at this time.