Vermont S 208: An act relating to standards for law enforcement identification

Bill Text

BILLAS INTRODUCED AND PASSED BY SENATE S.208
2026 Page 1 of 6
S.208
Introduced by Senators Hashim, Baruth, Ram Hinsdale, Bongartz, Chittenden,
Gulick, Hardy, Harrison, Lyons, Perchlik, Vyhovsky, Watson
and White
Referred to Committee on Judiciary
Date: January 6, 2026
Subject: Internal security and public safety; Vermont Criminal Justice Council;
general provisions; standards for law enforcement identification
Statement of purpose of bill as introduced: This bill proposes to require
standards for law enforcement to identify themselves. Specifically, this bill
proposes that all local, state, and federal law enforcement officers clearly
identify themselves by name or badge number. Additionally, this bill proposes
to prohibit masks or personal disguises with certain exceptions for potentially
hazardous situations and deployments.
An act relating to standards for law enforcement identification
It is hereby enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Vermont:
Sec. 1. 20 V.S.A. § 2373 is added to read:
§ 2373. STANDARDS FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT IDENTIFICATION
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BILLAS INTRODUCED AND PASSED BY SENATE S.208
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(a) Legislative intent. It is the intent of the General Assembly to exercise
the power granted to Vermont by the 10th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution
to protect the health, safety, and welfare of its residents and law enforcement
officers present in the State by codifying standards for law enforcement
identification.
(b) Definitions. As used in this section:
(1) “Law enforcement agency” has the same meaning as in section
2351a of this title.
(2) “Law enforcement officer” has the same meaning as in section
2351a of this title and includes any officer of a federal law enforcement
agency or any person acting on behalf of a local, state, or federal law
enforcement agency.
(c) Identification requirements.
(1) A law enforcement officer shall be clearly identified by the officer’s
name or badge number, or both, on the officer’s uniform.
(2) A law enforcement officer shall not wear any mask or personal
disguise while interacting with the public in the performance of the officer’s
duties.
(3) Notwithstanding subdivision (2) of this subsection, a law
enforcement officer may wear:
(A) a medical grade mask that is surgical;
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BILLAS INTRODUCED AND PASSED BY SENATE S.208
2026 Page 3 of 6
(B) an N95 respirator designed to prevent the transmission of
airborne diseases;
(C) a mask designed to protect against exposure to smoke during a
fire-involved situation;
(D) a mask necessary to perform duties during a water rescue
operation;
(E) a mask related to protection against exposure to biological or
chemical agents during an incident where these agents may be present; or
(F) a mask designed to protect against exposure to cold during a
declared weather emergency.
(4) Notwithstanding subdivision (2) of this subsection, the following is
permitted:
(A) Tactical Services Unit (TSU) team officers may use gear
necessary to protect their faces from physical harm while performing TSU
responsibilities.
(B) Law enforcement officers who participate in active undercover
drug-related operations or assignments may use a personal disguise when
necessary to perform such operations or assignments.
(d) Penalty. A law enforcement officer who violates subsection (c) of this
section shall be fined not more than $1,000.00 or lose the officer’s
professional licensure or certification, if applicable, or both.
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BILLAS INTRODUCED AND PASSED BY SENATE S.208
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Sec. 2. EFFECTIVE DATE
This act shall take effect on July 1, 2026.
Sec. 1. 20 V.S.A. § 2373 is added to read:
§ 2373. STANDARDS FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT IDENTIFICATION
(a) Legislative intent. It is the intent of the General Assembly to exercise
the power of Vermont, as recognized by the 10th Amendment to the U.S.
Constitution, to protect the health, safety, and welfare of its residents and law
enforcement officers present in the State by codifying standards for law
enforcement identification.
(b) Definitions. As used in this section:
(1) “Law enforcement agency” has the same meaning as in section
2351a of this title.
(2) “Law enforcement officer” has the same meaning as in section
2351a of this title and includes any officer of a federal law enforcement agency
or any person acting on behalf of a local, state, or federal law enforcement
agency.
(c) Identification requirements.
(1) A law enforcement officer shall be clearly identified by:
(A) the officer’s name or the officer’s unique radio or badge number
visibly displayed on the officer’s person; and
(B) the officer’s agency visibly displayed on the officer’s person.
(2) A law enforcement officer shall not wear any mask or personal
disguise while interacting in person with the public in the performance of the
officer’s duties.
(3) Notwithstanding subdivision (2) of this subsect