Maryland Senate Passes Bill Banning Police Masks

The bill now heads to the House after a party-line vote in the Senate.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Maryland Senate has passed SB1, a bill that would require the state's Police Training and Standards Commission to create a uniform policy banning law enforcement officers from wearing face coverings while on duty. The bill includes exceptions for protecting officer health and safety or during inclement weather, and violators would face a civil fine of up to $1,500.

Why it matters

The bill has sparked debate over balancing public transparency and accountability with officer safety and privacy concerns. Supporters argue it promotes community trust, while opponents warn it could endanger officers in certain situations.

The details

The bill passed the Senate in a party-line vote, with the only Democratic senator opposing being Mary-Dulany James of Harford County. A cross-filed version is scheduled for a House hearing on February 24. Several advocacy groups, including the ACLU and SEIU Local 500, testified in favor of the bill, while the Maryland Police Chiefs Association and Sheriffs' Association opposed it.

  • The Maryland Senate passed SB1 on February 19, 2026.
  • A cross-filed version of the bill is scheduled for a House hearing on February 24, 2026.

The players

Mary-Dulany James

A Democratic state senator representing Harford County who was the only member of her party to vote against the bill.

Maryland Police Training and Standards Commission

The state agency that would be tasked with creating a uniform policy to ban law enforcement from wearing face coverings under the bill.

Indivisible Frederick Forward Coalition

One of the advocacy groups that testified in favor of the bill.

Maryland Police Chiefs Association and Maryland Sheriffs' Association

The organizations that testified against the bill, citing officer safety and privacy concerns.

ACLU

The civil liberties organization that testified in favor of the bill, arguing it promotes transparency and accountability.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We must ensure law enforcement is accountable to the public they serve.”

— Indivisible Frederick Forward Coalition, Advocacy group

“This bill puts our officers at risk and undermines their ability to do their jobs safely.”

— Maryland Police Chiefs Association, Law enforcement organization

What’s next

The cross-filed version of the bill will be heard in the Maryland House on February 24, 2026, before potentially moving to the governor's desk.

The takeaway

This legislation highlights the ongoing debate over balancing police transparency and public trust with officer safety and privacy concerns. The bill's fate in the House will be closely watched as lawmakers seek to find the right approach.