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HB 4760

Law enforcement: other; law enforcement officer use of facial coverings or disguises in certain circumstances; prohibit, and require appropriate identification. Amends 1931 PA 328 (MCL 750.1 - 750.568) by adding sec. 396a.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Noah Arbit and 20 co-sponsors

Requires officers to wear identifying ID during public encounters, prohibiting masks except for safety-related exceptions, with penalties for noncompliance.

bill electronically reproduced 07/29/2025
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Bill Summary · HB 4760

Summary of HB 4760 (Michigan)

Overview

HB 4760 would add a new section (Sec. 396a) to the Michigan Penal Code (1931 PA 328) to govern law enforcement officers’ use of identification and facial coverings during interactions with the public. The bill requires officers to wear appropriate identification and generally prohibits masks or personal disguises, with specific exceptions. It applies to both state and federal law enforcement officers and becomes effective 90 days after enactment.

  • Introduced: March 13, 2025
  • Referred to: Committee on Government Operations
  • Status: Electronically reproduced July 29, 2025

Key Provisions

  • General rule (subsection 1): While interacting with a member of the public in the performance of duties, a law enforcement officer must wear appropriate identification and may not wear a mask or personal disguise.
  • Covert operations (subsection 2): The identification requirement does not apply during covert operations.
  • Exceptions for masks (subsection 3): An officer may wear a mask in these circumstances:
    • To prevent contracting or transmitting an airborne disease.
    • To protect against airborne toxins that could cause illness.
    • To protect against physical harm in high-risk situations (e.g., shootouts, standoffs, hostage situations, terrorist incidents).
  • Penalties (subsection 4): Violation of subsection 1 is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 90 days’ imprisonment or a fine up to $1,000.

  • Definitions (subsection 5):

    • Appropriate identification: must display the officer’s name or badge number and the full name or initials of the employing agency.
    • Covert operation: an operation requiring concealment of identity or purpose to investigate and gather evidence.
    • Law enforcement officer: includes both state/local officers defined by Michigan standards and federal officers.
    • Personal disguise: any alteration of appearance intended to conceal identity or mislead others.

  • Enacting date: Effective 90 days after the date of enactment.

Affected Parties

  • Law enforcement officers (state, local, and federal) conducting encounters with the public.
  • Law enforcement agencies responsible for implementing identification standards and training.
  • Public observers and individuals involved in interactions with officers, who may benefit from clearer identification.

Timeline and Procedural Notes

  • Filed: March 13, 2025
  • First reading / actions: Read first time and referred to committee in April 2025
  • Latest status: Bill electronically reproduced July 29, 2025; introduced by Rep. Betsy Coffia and colleagues; still under committee consideration

Potential Impact and Considerations

  • Likely to enhance transparency and accountability in officer encounters with the public through mandatory identification.
  • The broad prohibition on masks during routine interactions is balanced by explicit exceptions for safety-related masking needs (disease prevention, toxin exposure, high-risk operations).
  • Covert operations are expressly exempt from the identification requirement, preserving investigative confidentiality when appropriate.
  • The penalties provide a modest enforcement mechanism (up to 90 days or $1,000), which may affect compliance norms and training needs.
  • Agencies would need to ensure clear policies on “appropriate identification,” including name/badge number and agency identifiers, and update badges or display practices accordingly.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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