Alaska Bill to Ban Law Enforcement Mask Wearing Gains Support

Proposed legislation faces opposition from Anchorage police chief

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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A bill introduced in the Alaska state legislature that would ban law enforcement officers from wearing masks while on duty has gained support from the public, but faces opposition from the Anchorage police chief. The bill, introduced by Juneau Rep. Sara Hannan, seeks to prohibit federal, state and local law enforcement agents from concealing their identities, with some exceptions.

Why it matters

The bill is seen as a response to recent incidents in other states where masked law enforcement officers have been involved in controversial incidents, raising concerns about accountability. However, the Anchorage police chief argues the bill is trying to address a problem that doesn't exist in Alaska, where officers already have measures in place to identify themselves.

The details

Hannan's House Bill 250 would make it a Class B misdemeanor, punishable by up to 90 days in jail and a $2,000 fine, for law enforcement officers to wear masks while on duty, with exceptions for medical masks, transparent safety shields, cold-weather masks or masks worn by undercover officers. At a public hearing, the bill received support from eight of the nine testifiers, who argued that masked officers undermine public trust. However, Anchorage Police Chief Sean Case opposed the bill, saying masking is not a practice in Alaska and the bill would be impractical to enforce.

  • The bill was prefiled in January 2026, following public outrage over incidents in other states where masked law enforcement officers were involved in controversial incidents.
  • The bill's second hearing in the House State Affairs Committee took place on February 18, 2026.

The players

Sara Hannan

A Juneau Democrat and the representative who introduced House Bill 250.

Sean Case

The Anchorage Police Chief, who opposed the bill, arguing that masking is not a problem in Alaska and the bill would be impractical to enforce.

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What they’re saying

“A peace officer wearing a mask to conceal his face would immediately lead me to question that person's motives and distrust whether that officer was really there to protect and serve me, or whether they wish to be unaccountable for their behavior.”

— Bridget Smith, Juneau resident (ktoo.org)

“Within the past year, we've seen changes in this country that we've never imagined would happen before. I see this legislation as potentially proactive for an issue that might arise in Alaska.”

— Laura Lucas, Juneau resident (ktoo.org)

“Masking is not a practice in Alaska, and enforcing this bill would be impractical, giving it numerous exemptions. It attempts to solve a nonexistent issue, while inserting local law enforcement into a debate about federal immigration enforcement, something outside our role and responsibility.”

— Sean Case, Anchorage Police Chief (ktoo.org)

What’s next

Hannan's bill is slated to be heard again by the House State Affairs Committee and has been referred to the House Judiciary Committee. It's unclear if it will have enough support to advance in the Legislature.

The takeaway

This proposed legislation highlights the ongoing debate over police accountability and transparency, with supporters arguing that masked officers undermine public trust, while opponents say it addresses a non-issue in Alaska and could be impractical to enforce.