New Law to Ban Masked Police Officers Gains Support in Dutchess County

Dutchess County lawmakers have voted in support of a proposed New York State law that would ban law enforcement agents, including those with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, from wearing masks while on duty.

Last year, we learned that several New York lawmakers introduced a new bill that would stop law enforcement agents, including those from Immigration and Customs Enforcement, from wearing masks and hiding their identities while on duty. The bill would require agents to be identifiable while on duty and aims to rebuild trust between communities and law enforcement.

Mask Ban in New York

The Mandating End of Lawless Tactics (MELT) Act was introduced by New York Assembly member Tony Simone and New York City Comptroller Brad Lander on July 9th, 2025, citing the public's concerns about agent accountability and fear in many New York communities.

The Melt Act would require agents to not only wear clearly visible uniforms, display name badges, and show a visible marker on their uniforms identifying which organization they represent, but it would also prohibit the use of masks and face coverings. Federal agencies would also be required to publicly report all use-of-force incidents and civil arrests that happen in New York.

An officer who violates the MELT Act could be charged with a misdemeanor.

Mask Exemptions in New York

The bill would allow agents to wear masks under specific conditions, including medical-grade masks that block airborne disease or biological or chemical agents, for fire and smoke protection, for water rescues, and weather-related emergencies. SWAT team officers would also be permitted to use defensive gear that covers their faces.

Hudson Valley Lawmakers Support MELT Act

The new law, which is cosponsored by state Sen. Michelle Hinchey and Assemblywoman Sarahana Shrestha from Espous, was put to a vote on Monday in Dutchess County. According to the Daily Freeman, County legislators voted in support of the new law and approved a memorializing resolution in a 13-9 vote.

SEE ALSO: State Police Targeting Drivers Using Phones in New York

In Ulster County, lawmakers introduced similar legislation back in March. The “Baseline Standards for Law Enforcement Identifiability Law” would set clear rules across the county requiring officers to be easily identifiable during any public-facing situation.

All officers, local, state, federal, or part of a multi-agency task force, would need to display visible identification like their last name, badge number, or another unique ID. They’d also have to provide that information verbally if someone asks for it.

The law, which was approved at the County's Legislature’s session last week, will now move on to a public hearing in May.