Virginia bill would restrict law enforcement from wearing facial coverings while on duty
RICHMOND, VA – A measure introduced in the 2026 Regular Session of the Virginia General Assembly would prohibit most state and federal law enforcement officers from wearing facial coverings while performing their official duties, except under limited, clearly defined circumstances.
House Bill 7, sponsored by Delegate Michael J. Jones, seeks to increase transparency and public accountability by limiting when officers may conceal their faces during interactions with the public. The proposal defines “facial covering” broadly but includes several exceptions, such as protective equipment used to guard against disease, infection, or exposure to toxic substances. Officers assigned to special weapons and tactics (SWAT) teams would also be permitted to wear facial coverings while engaged in official tactical operations.
Under the bill, any officer who violates the restrictions could face disciplinary action ranging from suspension or demotion to termination or decertification. In addition, the legislation creates a Class 1 misdemeanor for knowingly wearing a prohibited facial covering unless the officer’s agency has adopted and implemented a written policy governing such use.
The measure directs the Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) to develop a model statewide policy on when and how facial coverings may be used by law enforcement agencies. This model policy would serve as the foundation for local and state departments to adopt their own written guidelines.
Significantly, the bill also establishes a civil cause of action for individuals injured by a law enforcement officer who knowingly and intentionally violates the facial covering restrictions while committing tortious conduct. The legislation explicitly removes sovereign immunity as a defense in such cases, exposing agencies and officers to direct liability.
HB7 has been referred to the House Committee on Public Safety and assigned to the Public Safety Subcommittee #2 for review. The Department of Planning and Budget issued a fiscal impact statement on January 19, 2026, to assess the bill’s implementation costs.
If enacted, the legislation would represent one of the nation’s most specific statutory restrictions on law enforcement use of facial coverings, seeking to balance officer safety with accountability and public trust.
House Bill 7 would ban most law enforcement facial coverings, create disciplinary and criminal penalties for violations, and allow civil lawsuits against offending officers.
