Dear Friends and Neighbors,
Among the bills debated and voted on this week on the Senate floor were two measures that stirred strong reactions across our state: Senate Bill 5855 and Senate Bill 5067. Both were heard and voted on Jan. 28, and I want to explain how I voted and why.
Senate Bill 5855 — law enforcement face coverings
I’ll start with Senate Bill 5855, which would prohibit most law enforcement officers — including federal officers — from wearing face coverings while interacting with the public, with limited exceptions. I voted no.
Before that vote, I asked for your input through a short survey, and the response was clear. Of the 270 people who responded, a strong majority of you opposed SB 5855. Many also shared concerns about how Washington’s sanctuary policies affect public safety and law enforcement practices. Your feedback mirrored what became clear during the floor debate: this bill targets the symptom, not the problem.
State law already requires officers to be reasonably identifiable while on duty. SB 5855 adds a new layer of legal exposure by creating an uncapped private right of action, opening the door to costly lawsuits against officers and local governments, even though supporters acknowledged there have been no complaints involving state or local agencies wearing face coverings.
Just as important, the bill ignores why many officers began wearing face coverings in the first place. Federal agents started doing so after being personally threatened, along with their families. This is not about secret police. It’s about protecting officers and their loved ones from doxing, harassment, and credible threats.
If lawmakers are serious about improving public safety, the focus should be state sanctuary policies that prohibit arrests in jails and courthouses—controlled environments. SB 5855 does nothing to address that reality.
Here’s a video of my floor speech:
I also discussed this issue in a recent interview with KIRO 7 News:
- Here’s how WA leaders are preparing for possible ICE activity
- Sen Phil Fortunato weighs in on federal vs. state authority, sanctuary policies & oversight
To read the full newsletter, click here.