Law Banning Police Face Coverings, Mandating Badges Signed By VA Gov. Spanberger

RICHMOND, VA — Gov. Abigail Spanberger signed legislation Wednesday requiring law enforcement officers in Virginia to display identifying badges and restricting the use of facial coverings in most public-facing situations, according to a joint statement released Thursday by Sen. Saddam Salim (D-Fairfax) and Del. Charlie Schmidt (D-Richmond)

The legislation, SB352/HB1482, requires officers to wear badges identifying themselves and the agency employing them. It also prohibits officers from wearing facial coverings in most interactions with the public.

“Governor Spanberger’s signing of SB352 is an important step toward strengthening transparency and accountability in law enforcement,” Salim said, in the statement. He said the bill “ensures that public employees are clearly identifiable while interacting with the people they serve.”

Schmidt said he supported the governor signing HB1482 “in its original form, as passed by the General Assembly.” He also said lawmakers are focused on “protecting Virginians” and “holding all law enforcement to a high standard of constitutional policing.”

Also See ...

• Governor Spanberger Signs VA Assault Weapons Ban Patroned By 2 Fairfax Lawmakers
• VA Paid Sick Leave Bill Signed Into Law, Favola-Backed Measure Expands Worker Benefits
• Spanberger Signs Health Care Bills At Inova In Fairfax, Capping Insulin Costs, Expanding Coverage